4G Calling Abroad (VoLTE roaming, voice over 4G in simple terms) is active on our network from the 28th of June in certain destinations with select roaming partners. 🌍
This means you’ll use 4G to make & receive voice calls and SMS when 4G coverage is available, rather than over 3G and you'll need a compatible device to stay connected.
We’ve listed some handy FAQ’s to help you understand what this might mean for you.👇
FAQ’s
What is 4G Calling Abroad?
4G calling abroad is the ability to make and receive voice calls and send texts over a 4G network whilst roaming in a foreign destination.
Aside from the benefits of better voice coverage, some roaming partners are reducing their 2G and 3G coverage, meaning 4G Calling Abroad will become more important across the industry worldwide.
What's the difference between 4G calling in the UK and 4G calling abroad?
4G Calling in the UK (also known as Voice over LTE or VoLTE) has been available on our network for some time now. This service uses our 4G network to allow you to make and receive calls and texts in the UK.
4G Calling Abroad is brand-new technology and requires manufacturers to develop additional software to enable their devices to support it.
How will I know if I can get 4G Calling Abroad?
You’ll need a 4G Calling Abroad-enabled device to access this service. Check our handy table below to see if you’re compatible.
Apple | iPhone 13 iPhone 13 Mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 6S iPhone 6S Plus iPhone 7 iPhone 7 Plus iPhone 8 iPhone 8 Plus iPhone SE iPhone SE2 iPhone X iPhone XR iPhone XS iPhone XS Max |
| Pixel 4 Pixel 4 XL Pixel 4a 4G Pixel 4a 5G Pixel 5 5G Pixel 6 5G Pixel 6 Pro 5G |
Samsung | Galaxy S21 5G Galaxy S21 FE 5G Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Galaxy S21+ 5G |
If your device is not on this list, we can't provide confirmation of 4G roaming compatibility.
My device is listed as not compatible with 4G Calling Abroad, what does this mean for me?
If your device is not listed as compatible, you won’t be able to access the 4G Calling Abroad feature.
In the event all of our select roaming partners in a destination closing their 3G network, you may not be able to use services, including access to emergency calls.
We’ll aim to have a range of partners with access to different spectrums in each destination, but ultimately don’t have control over their infrastructure plans.
To ensure long-term access to all services abroad, we recommend considering one of the newer devices on the market.
My device is capable, but not enabled yet, what does this mean for me?
This means that your device may be compatible with 4G Calling Abroad, but the manufacturer hasn’t released the software to enable it.
Manufacturers are working hard to develop this software; however, older models are less likely to have this capability enabled.
How will I know if a destination doesn't support 3G anymore?
We always recommend customers check their destination before they travel. Our roaming pages will be updated with a banner to notify if 3G is not available. In these instances, you'll need a compatible device that is listed above.