US roaming with an existing 3G subscription

[veronique11]

Hello, my current plan covers calls in Canada and 1,024MB of 3G data. I understand that 3G networks have been torn down in the US. Going to Florida, Daytona Beach, tomorrow I would like to purchase a call/data add-on.

Would the $30 add-on for call/text and 3GB data allow me to use the Internet via my mobile phone (which is LTE enabled)?

Many thanks!

[DennyCrane]

@veronique11 VoLTE is only applicable for phone calls. It means "Voice over LTE" i.e the ability to make phone calls on the LTE network. Data and/or text will work fine regardless of the VoLTE situation.

[hTideGnow]

HI @veronique11 

download TextNow as a backup.  In case voice call does not work, use TextNow to make calls on Mobile data or Wifi

[veronique11]

Thank you all for the information.  In doubt I purchase the data add-on as I am still worried my phone will not be able to make VoLTE calls.

[DennyCrane · Accepted solution]

@dabr Correct, prior to PM VoLTE launch. But if your theory were true, it wouldn't matter if T-Mobile had VoLTE and my device was VoLTE.

But I've heard lots of current stories on here of people that can't use VoLTE because of PM's whitelist, even though if you were an AT&T or T-Mobile customer you would be able to.

[dabr]

@DennyCrane   So your experience was before VoLTE went into effect for PM users (limited devices, of course)?  I haven't read the other posts that you mention who have more recent experience but that would be another disappointing action taken by PM if true, IMO..

[DennyCrane]

@dabr All first hand reports I've seen, including my own prior to the launch of VoLTE, are that it won't work. It's PM's rules that count, not the roaming partners'.

[dabr]

@DennyCrane    Yes, I'm not too sure how VoLTE gets treated if roaming in the US for phones that have that capability but wouldn't be surprised if PM's restrictions do apply in the US as well, though not too sure how that would work.

  Maybe someone who has traveled there recently can enlighten us how it worked out for them.

[DennyCrane]

@dabr I've heard that rumor that the VoLTE requirements may be superceded by those of the roaming partner, but I've never seen evidence of that being true. I believe Public Mobile's provisioning will prevail, i.e. no VoLTE if PM doesn't allow it.

[dabr]

@veronique11    PM apparently has limited the number of devices that it permits to have VoLTE even if the device has full VoLTE capability so that maybe a reason why you're not seeing that function on your phone. 

However, you may have access to VoLTE (if phone has that feature) on your trip to the US as you will be using the partner networks of T-Mobile or AT&T which can be manually selected to see which one works best for the particular region you are traveling in, although it's very much a case of YMMV..

[DennyCrane]

@veronique11 Unfortunately your phone is not VoLTE compatible.

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

To verify this you can do a test:

1) Temporarily turn off wifi

2) Ensure you're connected to the 4G/LTE network

3) Make a phone call

4) Once the call connects look at the top of your screen. I'd expect it will now say 3G, which means you don't have VoLTE.

You can still use Text and Data, but Phone Calls will be problematic without a 3G network. Your only hope is if there is a 2G/GSM T-Mobile network available to make phone calls on. YMMV with that. You may also need to enable 2G in your phone settings.

[veronique11]

Just to clarify, going into settings/connections/Mobile Network, I do not have an option to switch on VoLTE, but I am currently connected to Public Mobile, so maybe that is why I cannot see this option... or?

[veronique11]

Thank you for your detailed information. I have a Galaxy S8. I have used LTE, but am not sure about VoLTE though... If my phone does not cover it, does it mean it is useless for me to purchase US roaming call/text add-on?

[DennyCrane]

Your 3G plan just dictates speed, not what network you can connect to. Depending on your phone, you'll likely notice that you're usually connected to either the 4G or 5G network, even at home.

So yes, that add-on will work. You also need to enable data roaming on your phone and set it to automatic network selection. Also it's a good idea to set your Preferred Network to 4G instead of 5G (on your phone settings), because AT&T 5G doesn't work.

Also you need VoLTE for best results as far as phone calls are concerned. What type of phone do you have?

[dabr]

@veronique11   Yes, you should be able to connect to T-Mobile or AT&T partner networks which may need to be manually selected if reception is poor with either one. 

edit:  BTW, the roaming add-ons last 15 days, so best to purchase one just before you leave as they become active immediately after purchase.