Mobile network provider giffgaff, which is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on O2’s platform in the United Kingdom, has announced the completion of their effort to deploy two long awaited new service features – Wi-Fi Calling and 4G Calling (VoLTE). This process originally began during the spring (here).
Just to recap. 4G Calling is another name for Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) technology, which means that any regular calls you make or receive will stay on the 4G mobile network (signal allowing), rather than dropping back to 2G. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi Calling enables consumers with a supporting Smartphone to harness their home broadband ISP or other WiFi connection to make mobile voice calls, instead of using your mobile network.
Admittedly, giffgaff’s migration process to their new platform didn’t go through without causing a few issues, some of which are still being resolved on a case-by-case basis. But otherwise, the new services are finally live, albeit with the usual caveats around device support (see below). Credits to th_442 on our forum for spotting this update.
Will my phone be compatible?
The following devices will be compatible with VoLTE and WiFi Calling. If your device is not listed here, it may not be able to take advantage of VoLTE or WiFi Calling features. You can continue to use SMS or Voice calls over the 2G band as you do today. Data will not be affected.
Apple Devices:
iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), XR, XS Max, XS, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, , 16, 16 Pro, 16 Plus, 16 Pro Max
You need to have iOS 17.4 software or later downloaded for these devices
Samsung Devices:
Galaxy A04s, A05s, A13, A14, A15, A23, A25, A34, A33, A52, A53, A54, A55, S21 Family, S21 FE, S22 Family, S23 Family, S23, S24 Family, Tab A7 Lite, Tab A8, Tab A9, Tab 28, Tab 29, Tab, S9 FE, Z Flip3 5G, Z Flip4, Z Flip5, Z Flip6, Z Fold3 5G, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, Z Fold6
Nokia Devices:
Nokia C12, Nokia G22
Google Devices:
Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Fold, 8/Pro onwards
Motorola Devices
Cancun
Please note – we are awaiting confirmation of when the new firmware that enables VoLTE and WiFi Calling on these devices will be available.
Sony Devices:
Xperia 1V and 10V onwards.
Xiaomi Devices:
All devices with a Snapdragon chipset.