Questions on 4G support and 3G phase out

[Mavenrick]

Hello,

I was just checking my phone again, and it has GSM/HSPA/LTE (autoconnect) which means it supports 4G. But apparently my phone is not on the public mobile certified list. I guess I will need to upgrade anyway to 4G since I just found out carriers have either phased out or phasing out 3G. A few questions

1. I don't think I will face disruption if I upgrade my plan to 4G , since even though my phone is not in the certified list, 4G should still work for data, text and calling ? 

2. I hear it may even "downgrade" to 3G calling if my phone is not certified for VoLTE with Public Mobile ?

3. I also heard Public Mobile is phasing and shutting down 3G ? But not confirmed yet in final date? Just wondering what has anyone here heard.

Thank you!

[Mavenrick]

My plan has succesfully switched now to 4G 20GB data plan. Everything works fine. I noticed the LTE only displays on the screen when Mobile data is turned on. When I tested calls and I used 611 to test with mobile data turned off I don't see LTE on the screen. So I'm wondering if the call made was still 3G or 4G . seems like LTE display is on the phone only when I turn on Mobile data.

Not a big issue for me as long as everything works, but just wondering......  its a fairly old phone A70 from 2019 and my Sim card is older than the phone.

[Mavenrick]

thanks @Chalupa_Batman  @umnikke8  @SLuk 

I just checked my  IMEI from that link and it says "Your device is not compatible with our network, or we were unable to find a match in our records" 

I'm using a Samsung A70 . I just got it from a friend who upgraded her phone. In any case I'll upgrade my plan anyway as discussed in my earlier queries at least I get more Data size for the same fee. Calling now is not a big issue then if I have 2 years, then I'll worry about a new phone then. Many thanks....I'll keep this post open for now until after the upgrade and see what happens.

[umnikke8 · Accepted solution]

No matter the plan you have at Public you use the same network, 3G, 4G and 5G. The '3G', '4G' in the plan names refer to the speed limit that is applied to the account. VoLTE support is the big deal these days. As 3G networks are wound down it becomes more and more difficult to call on 3G until it finally becomes impossible. VoLTE support is needed to call on 4G. Not only does the phone need to support VoLTE, but the network needs to support the phone, which has made things a bit confusing. You can verify the model with the device checker. Or try making a call and see if the indicator changes from LTE/4G to 3G. Maybe more devices will be added yet or maybe not. You could wait a bit longer until call problems become an issue for you if your device isn't supported.

[slusagm]

What phone do you have?

Some phones can use VoLTE

But for 3G, PM will still have it for another 2 years.  So, no rush to change it (unless you are in Manitoba, Manitoba is the only province going to have 3G phased out end of this year)

[Chalupa_Batman]

Hey @Mavenrick 

Go to the bottom of this page and enter your IMEI number. Things might be different now. See if it's good to use.

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/volte