Google fi - Does it offer VoLTE? - Nexus 6 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Google fi - Does it offer VoLTE? - Nexus 6 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm planning to switch from Verizon to Project Fi (after I receive my invite from Google) and I have a question regarding Voice over LTE (VoLTE).
Is it enabled to work with Project Fi? I remember having to do some setting changes to get it to work with Verizon. I even had to enable a setting on my Verizon account (not on the phone, but by going to my verizon online account setting in web browser). I believe it was Advanced Calling.
I'm wondering if I need to do anything special to enable VoLTE after I switch to Project Fi.
*VoLTE basically permits talking on the phone while simultaneously use data over LTE (ie, using hotspot while talking on phone). Verizon is CDMA and this was important feature. Without VoLTE I would lose my data connection when placing a phone call.
Thanks

ygohome said:
I'm planning to switch from Verizon to Project Fi (after I receive my invite from Google) and I have a question regarding Voice over LTE (VoLTE).
Is it enabled to work with Project Fi? I remember having to do some setting changes to get it to work with Verizon. I even had to enable a setting on my Verizon account (not on the phone, but by going to my verizon online account setting in web browser). I believe it was Advanced Calling.
I'm wondering if I need to do anything special to enable VoLTE after I switch to Project Fi.
*VoLTE basically permits talking on the phone while simultaneously use data over LTE (ie, using hotspot while talking on phone). Verizon is CDMA and this was important feature. Without VoLTE I would lose my data connection when placing a phone call.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, tmobile uses volte while sprint does not.

When ur on TMo, yes. When ur on Sprint , no

Thank you. Forgive my ignorance if this is common knowledge, but does Project Fi allow controlled switching between t-mobile and sprint? In other words, can I force the N6 to use TMo before I turn on my hotspot? Or is it always just the stronger tower as to which provider is used (will I have no control in deciding)?
Often times I can't afford to lose my data connection using hotspot while in a voice call.
This may be a deciding factor if I should choose Project Fi or stick with my current provider.
Thanks

Related

Simultaneous Voice & Data on VZW

I've seen the news that simultaneous voice and data doesn't work on the N6 on Verizon out of the box. Curious what people think the chances are that it will work at some point without the need to root and unlock?

They have gone to using just one antenna as is the same for the Droid Turbo. VOLTE should be coming to the N6 in the near future.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

HankStorm said:
I've seen the news that simultaneous voice and data doesn't work on the N6 on Verizon out of the box. Curious what people think the chances are that it will work at some point without the need to root and unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting/unlocking will have no impact on this. It, like all new Verizon devices, requires "Advance Calling 1.0" which Verizon hasn't pushed to any new devices at this point. Assuming Verizon supports the device then it will get the update at some point.

Assuming the phone is made available from Verizon directly I can see simultaneous voice and data being available. I should have been more clear about my question applying to phones bought from Google or Motorola directly.

akellar said:
Rooting/unlocking will have no impact on this. It, like all new Verizon devices, requires "Advance Calling 1.0" which Verizon hasn't pushed to any new devices at this point. Assuming Verizon supports the device then it will get the update at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iphone 6 and 6 Plus has it. I just switched to Verizon from Tmo and got 3 devices, 2x iPhone 6+ and Droid Turbo. Now, Turbo I had to get as that line is for business, but it will be sold for a Nexus 6. Tmobile definitely had better voice quality and I was always iffy about going to a CDMA carrier as I used to work and knew a lot about CDMA for Sprint. However, fact that they pretty much have their entire network covered with LTE made me decide to try.
Point is, with Advanced Calling 1.0 you can definitely tell the voice quality difference and using LTE while being on the phone is nice, same way it was on T-Mobile... The fact that Droid Turbo doesn't have this and is one of the premier Verizon Devices saddens me...

air2k57 said:
Point is, with Advanced Calling 1.0 you can definitely tell the voice quality difference and using LTE while being on the phone is nice, same way it was on T-Mobile... The fact that Droid Turbo doesn't have this and is one of the premier Verizon Devices saddens me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you happen to know if turning off the advanced calling 1.0 on the phone will disable the simultaneous voice/data?
i was reading some wiggy things (in verizon's faq, no less) about needing to turn off the adv calling if you're going to be bouncing between LTE & 3G or its going to to drop calls. but my partner makes a ton of calls during her (SF to sacramento) commute when she needs to have data to look at.
if its just the VoLTE you can turn off, that would be great; but if it's the whole package... well, that's going to be a problem.

I am very curious about how this will work in practice as well, to the point where I may not upgrade until volte has been live for a few weeks. I have grown used to just knowing voice and data works...I am worried volte isn't going to work very well.

I'm wondering what is going to work with an unlocked Nexus 6 on Verizon. 3G? XLTE? visual voice mail? my Verizon? Asurion insurance?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

bigyak22 said:
I'm wondering what is going to work with an unlocked Nexus 6 on Verizon. 3G? XLTE? visual voice mail? my Verizon? Asurion insurance?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexu6 has an XLTE chip?

williamentropy said:
do you happen to know if turning off the advanced calling 1.0 on the phone will disable the simultaneous voice/data?
i was reading some wiggy things (in verizon's faq, no less) about needing to turn off the adv calling if you're going to be bouncing between LTE & 3G or its going to to drop calls. but my partner makes a ton of calls during her (SF to sacramento) commute when she needs to have data to look at.
if its just the VoLTE you can turn off, that would be great; but if it's the whole package... well, that's going to be a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, sorry for late reply. But yes, it will. I got an email from Verizon as well as text telling me how to enable it. And I do see a difference in voice quality when Data+Voice is enabled. It is done via Settings - Cellular and then switch it away from Data only. I drove out while on the phone last night and I managed to lose LTE signal, my call didn't disconnect. However, I did notice odd things with it still. One time my phone went to 1x while in my pocket in a good LTE coverage area. When I took it out and saw 1x I immediately got a Voice Mail notification... I never got a call though.

the only thing making me want to return my Nexus 6 is that I can't simultaneously use data and voice on Verizon.

air2k57 said:
Hi, sorry for late reply. But yes, it will. I got an email from Verizon as well as text telling me how to enable it. And I do see a difference in voice quality when Data+Voice is enabled. It is done via Settings - Cellular and then switch it away from Data only. I drove out while on the phone last night and I managed to lose LTE signal, my call didn't disconnect. However, I did notice odd things with it still. One time my phone went to 1x while in my pocket in a good LTE coverage area. When I took it out and saw 1x I immediately got a Voice Mail notification... I never got a call though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on Verizon also but don't see that option. Can you please provide more details

roadratx said:
I'm on Verizon also but don't see that option. Can you please provide more details
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Click to collapse
He has an iPhone 6 or 6+ which already supports Advanced Calling 1.0. The Nexus 6 doesn't. Yet at least.
Just for some clarity, Advanced Calling 1.0 and XLTE are Verizon marketing buzzwords for VoLTE and AWS respectively.
You can't do simultaneous voice and data on this device, or some other recent devices because there is only one antenna for both CDMA and LTE, while many previous devices had one for each.
Once you get Advanced Calling 1.0 on your account and device, the CDMA chip is not used and both voice and data go over LTE. Since VoLTE is just another type of transmitted data over LTE, it can do both.
Advanced Calling 1.0 on Verizon WILL drop if you leave LTE coverage as Verizon does not have any way to hand down from LTE to CDMA gracefully. This is different from TMobile and AT&T who can hand down to their HSPA networks. If you had a call going and it didn't drop when you lost LTE, it wasn't a VoLTE call in the first place. It's possible either the call started on 3G, the option wasn't enabled on your phone, or the option wasn't enabled on your account. I'm sorry if I sound patronizing, but Verizon's VoLTE is completely incapable of keeping a call going if you drop from LTE.
Finally, XLTE is just Verizon's term for the extra 10x10 or 20x20MHz of high frequency AWS spectrum they acquired. It's not a new type of LTE, but might as well be because the real world speeds are so much better than the normal low frequency 700MHz band of their original LTE, mostly due to fewer users, more bandwidth, and cleaner RF at the high frequency.
There's no XLTE "chip" as much as looking in the LTE band support and checking for band 4. 700MHz Verizon LTE is band 13, and they will soon start deploying more LTE on band 2. It's a matter of antenna tuning and modem support mostly.

JesusFreak316 said:
He has an iPhone 6 or 6+ which already supports Advanced Calling 1.0. The Nexus 6 doesn't. Yet at least.
Just for some clarity, Advanced Calling 1.0 and XLTE are Verizon marketing buzzwords for VoLTE and AWS respectively.
You can't do simultaneous voice and data on this device, or some other recent devices because there is only one antenna for both CDMA and LTE, while many previous devices had one for each.
Once you get Advanced Calling 1.0 on your account and device, the CDMA chip is not used and both voice and data go over LTE. Since VoLTE is just another type of transmitted data over LTE, it can do both.
Advanced Calling 1.0 on Verizon WILL drop if you leave LTE coverage as Verizon does not have any way to hand down from LTE to CDMA gracefully. This is different from TMobile and AT&T who can hand down to their HSPA networks. If you had a call going and it didn't drop when you lost LTE, it wasn't a VoLTE call in the first place. It's possible either the call started on 3G, the option wasn't enabled on your phone, or the option wasn't enabled on your account. I'm sorry if I sound patronizing, but Verizon's VoLTE is completely incapable of keeping a call going if you drop from LTE.
Finally, XLTE is just Verizon's term for the extra 10x10 or 20x20MHz of high frequency AWS spectrum they acquired. It's not a new type of LTE, but might as well be because the real world speeds are so much better than the normal low frequency 700MHz band of their original LTE, mostly due to fewer users, more bandwidth, and cleaner RF at the high frequency.
There's no XLTE "chip" as much as looking in the LTE band support and checking for band 4. 700MHz Verizon LTE is band 13, and they will soon start deploying more LTE on band 2. It's a matter of antenna tuning and modem support mostly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what he said. And trust me, it isn't as good as what T-Mobile uses.
Let me ask you this, do you think T-Mobile is overall a better network in Metro areas? I loved my service on T-Mobile... From fast data speeds to very clear voice, amazing! Switching to verizon was a nightmare. Even on VOLTE it isn't very clear, calls do drop and I am getting low speeds or regular 3g in places T-Mobile had LTE in Atlanta. I do know that rural coverage and indoor is better on Verizon, but my experience has been bad.

Any updates? Royally pisseddd I can't do voice n data like I can on my lg g3. Fill like I stepped back in time and att tmo mocking vzw all over again for no voice n data
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

moosc said:
Any updates? Royally pisseddd I can't do voice n data like I can on my lg g3. Fill like I stepped back in time and att tmo mocking vzw all over again for no voice n data
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have had voice and data almost 2 weeks now. Update to version 5. 1. D, enable it on your phone and on Verizon. enjoy
Sent from my Google N6 on VZ

How to get Simultaneous Voice and Data to work on Nexus 6
After updating your Nexus 6 to Android 5.1, you will find a setting hidden inside a Phone Settings menu that allows you to enable VoLTE and then an “Enhanced 4G LTE Mode.” With both of these options toggled on, you can then make calls and “surf the web.” Glory!
In order to enable the setting on your phone, head into the dialer and type in *#*#4636#*#*. When you hit that last *, your phone will jump into the hidden settings menu. Choose “Phone info” and then scroll down until you see an option for “TURN ON VOLTE PROVISIONED FLAG.” Tap that and then reboot your phone (I had to reboot twice for some reason to get it to work). Once booted, head into your phone’s regular settings menu, tap on “More” under “Wireless & networks,” then “Cellular networks.” You should now see an option for “Enhanced 4G LTE Mode” and it should be toggled on.
Note: There is a chance that you may need HD Voice added to your Verizon account. To do that, you will need to sign-in to your Verizon account and add the feature, which is free.
Go ahead and place a call with WiFi off and see if you can access a web page or an app that uses data. All good? In order to keep this functionality, you will need to leave Enhanced 4G LTE Mode turned on.

Hi.... noticed this thread hasn't been active for awhile. Just wanted to confirm that I did this today with my Nexus 6, and everything worked fine. Had to have HD Voice put on my line for free, and had to reboot. But definitely have simultaneous voice/data now.

I just did this on my Nexus 6. Works great so far. Was able to make a call and browse several web pages at the same time. Awesome info thank you!

yotehtr1 said:
I just did this on my Nexus 6. Works great so far. Was able to make a call and browse several web pages at the same time. Awesome info thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you upgraded to MARSHMALLOW?

[Q] Should one want to turn on VoLTE on VZ?

Ok,
We all know that turning on Advanced Calling 1.0 on your account is free, includes HD voice to other callers that are similarly enabled, and most of all - it gives us back voice and data at the same time.
But are there negatives to go with the positives?
I've scanned the threads and wanted to consolidate this here.
I've heard if you are on adv calling and move out / drop off 4G your call may get lost. I haven't heard how one makes a call, or if it will make a call if out of a 4G area or on wifi out of a 4G area and you try to place a call.
So, that said, what are the experiences from our vast userbase here?
Has turning it on caused any issue for you? either with making/receiving calls, data use, or even other issues with the N6 once you enabled it? (I'm stock right now, what about ROM's? )
(for purposes of streamlining this thread, the conditions are that you got the phone from Verizon, or have it established on Verizon and have been able to enable the option)

I turn on day 1 but I don't have anyone to call that has that option so nothing really changed for me I don't find my coverage any better or worse. I do notice I have voice and data now (at the same time I mean)
Sent from my Google N6 on VZ

VZW Volte
When I go to Verizon website to select volte in my plan a pop up says 1 or more of my other selections i already have is not compatible with volte and must be unselected to get volte. It is saying Ringback Tones needs to be unselected.
Has anyone else experienced this?

Can someone use phone's internet to make wifi calls?

This is probably a dumb question. T-mobile offers free international wifi calling and also free international data. Maybe the data is too slow in many countries. Is there an app or a way to run the phone's wifi and then use the wifi calling feature? If one has wifi then no point but if one doesn't it would be cool to do.

The cellular voice part of the phone needs network support for the wifi to work seamlessly. However there are many apps like google chat that allow phone calls over wifi. These app services are separate from your cellular and have a different phone number involved. International calling may require you subscribe to the service too.

JeffMD said:
The cellular voice part of the phone needs network support for the wifi to work seamlessly. However there are many apps like google chat that allow phone calls over wifi. These app services are separate from your cellular and have a different phone number involved. International calling may require you subscribe to the service too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile says the wifi calling will work free automatically, well at least that's what I read. I suppose I would need to call them and ask to make sure since it was a 3rd party article reporting on their wifi calling and now good it was. Probably no way to turn on wifi hotspot while at the same time use the wifi calling from the wifi hotspot.

Note 8 Unlocked Missing HD VOICE and VIDEO CALLING

I am uncertain which information is true or false, but thought I would ask here. I realized I may be missing a few features when I bought the unlocked Note 8. However, I was under the impression that I could somehow enable things like HD voice and Video Calling.
If I am able to do this, can someone provide a link to a guide I can follow for the Note 8? I realize there are third party apps. But, I was hoping to achieve the above naively.
I'm Currently with AT&T, but prefer the ability to Hot-Spot by using an unlocked version of the Note. Hopefully someone who has enabled this can chime in.

I currently have an ATT Note 8 and I have a similar question. I want to flash the unlocked firmware so I can use it on T-Mobile. I've looked online and couldn't find an answer hope someone here can help us.

So my understanding is that AT&T only allows things like HD Voice, Video Calling, VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling, etc. On their branded device's. It's why I actually didn't get the unlocked device even though I previously had a Note 7.

fireguy0306 said:
So my understanding is that AT&T only allows things like HD Voice, Video Calling, VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling, etc. On their branded device's. It's why I actually didn't get the unlocked device even though I previously had a Note 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was my understanding as well, but, I thought someone came up with a clever way of enabling these features. Hot spot and the ability to jump carriers were more important features than the others... which is why I went with unlocked. Am stuck in an unlimited data plan with AT&T for one more year. Unfortunately, they don't allow any kind of hotspot with unlimited plan.

Since the phone just became available and only to few people (BTW I'm still waiting), you guys have to wait , because since all those are hacks, phones have to get to right hands and then may take some time to figure things out, unless any of you have enough knowledge, then head to S8/S8+ forum and try using those solutions on your Note 8, may even work.

When I booted my Note 8 with T-mobile sim card, it applied some carrier customization and enabled VoLTE and WiFI calling but video calling is missing which I don't use much anyways.

You can usually do this via the service modes:
Dial *#0011# may work
Press the Menu key and then Back
Press Menu again then Key input and enter the value 1.
Wait a little
Press Menu and then Back
Press DEBUG SCREEN
Press WB-AMR SETTINGS
Press WB-AMR ENABLE
This use to work on previous models.
(In the UK being shafted by a long wait for my Note 8)

I thought many of the methods wouldn't work since AT&T uses whitelists on their system and it's not just the features are missing from the OS.

I tried the *#0011# and was able to get all the way to debug. That screen or option is not showing up on my unlocked note 8.
Ryya said:
You can usually do this via the service modes:
Dial *#0011# may work
Press the Menu key and then Back
Press Menu again then Key input and enter the value 1.
Wait a little
Press Menu and then Back
Press DEBUG SCREEN
Press WB-AMR SETTINGS
Press WB-AMR ENABLE
This use to work on previous models.
(In the UK being shafted by a long wait for my Note 8)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I know the S8 crowd has been flashing the carries specific CSC/CP files through a modified ODIN on top of the UNLOCKED firmware. I'm sure this will work on the note 8 as well. The modem should enable all the carrier specific bands and the CSC should enable the wifi calling and VOLTE. on a side note, check in the settings menu for the wifi calling. when I flashed the T mobile CP over the U firmware, I did not have a WIFI calling quick toggle but I did have wifi calling the in the regular settings menu. I had to toggle it on and off that way.

No where to be found for VZW on unlocked

Wi-Fi Calling is in the phone settings on the unlocked version...I have not seen HD or video though...WiFi calling works awesomely

BlueFox721 said:
Wi-Fi Calling is in the phone settings on the unlocked version...I have not seen HD or video though...WiFi calling works awesomely
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You on AT&T or T-Mobile?

JameyS said:
This was my understanding as well, but, I thought someone came up with a clever way of enabling these features. Hot spot and the ability to jump carriers were more important features than the others... which is why I went with unlocked. Am stuck in an unlimited data plan with AT&T for one more year. Unfortunately, they don't allow any kind of hotspot with unlimited plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on an old grandfathered in AT&T unlimited plan? I have a new Unlimited plan and they offer lots of goodies including a 10GB/month hotspot for each phone.
Check them out: https://www.att.com/plans/unlimited-data-plans.html
You should not be stuck in any plan now for a year or any time frame. Change when you want to change.
Here's a link to information for Flashing the Unlocked Firmware and Carrier Switching on the Snapdragon S8+ (no rooting necessary). https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/carrier-switch-snapdragon-t3615680
Probably going to be similar with our Note 8s.

Im on Verizon and I cant see wifi calling or HD voice aka VOLTE. Maybe we just need to wait.

This may help for people looking for video calling
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/guide-to-enabling-video-calling-t3670523

skinnytoo2 said:
No where to be found for VZW on unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to download the app "shortcut master". Navigate to to IMS Settings, click RCS Configuration and enabled everything. I also can see the WB settings under "DM Configuration" under the IMS settings but they are relabeled as xxx_WB and instead of enabled/disabled, it is a 0 or 1. I believe the 1 is enabled. Probably need to restart as well but I am uncertain.
The outstanding question I have is do I need to change HD_VOICE under the DM configuration from a 0 to 1 as I see that there as well.

lebodano said:
I had to download the app "shortcut master". Navigate to to IMS Settings, click RCS Configuration and enabled everything. I also can see the WB settings under "DM Configuration" under the IMS settings but they are relabeled as xxx_WB and instead of enabled/disabled, it is a 0 or 1. I believe the 1 is enabled. Probably need to restart as well but I am uncertain.
The outstanding question I have is do I need to change HD_VOICE under the DM configuration from a 0 to 1 as I see that there as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded the shorcut master. However when i try to change anything, it says SU: not found. I also saw in there about the HD voice enabled. But am not able to launch any type of editor. I have the note 8 unlocked version, using straight talk sim card on verizon towers. I would love to be able to talk on the phone and surf the internet at the same time.
anyone able to get this working on the unlocked version?

I have video calling & HD Voice working on unlocked model with VZW SIM on gUDP, I almost had WiFi Calling working; but broke video calling. I'm hoping to get both working; WiFi Calling works with T-Mobile SIM out of the box. I haven't messed with my AT&T SIM to see if any of the features work; but maybe this week I will.

WinDroidGuy said:
I have video calling & HD Voice working on unlocked model with VZW SIM on gUDP, I almost had WiFi Calling working; but broke video calling. I'm hoping to get both working; WiFi Calling works with T-Mobile SIM out of the box. I haven't messed with my AT&T SIM to see if any of the features work; but maybe this week I will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get video calling working. I still have yet to successfully place the call.

USA Carrier Test[Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Google Fi]

This is the first time I have ever posted anything so please excuse the lack of formatting or "neatness."
First of all I want to say that every test I have done was done for a period of 3 days with each of these carriers. The test involved taking the cell phone to the city(Raleigh, NC) to a more rural area(literally anywhere not Raleigh) to test for signal strength differences, voice, and sms. Also, the phone I used is the North American model not the tencent model.
The reason I even did this is because I do not want let go of my Verizon SIM card(I still won't but there is a different reason why at the end)
OK so with that being said let's talk FUNCTIONALITY: ASUS(I have a screenshot of this) is telling me to read in between the lines and that they will push for VoLTE and VoWIFI with USA Carriers AFTER they shut down their 2g/3g Services. However right now VOLTE & VOWIFI DO NOT WORK WITH ANY CARRIER IN THE USA. The closest thing you can get to VOWIFI/VOLTE.
Verizon: Full 4G Support, Data speed and reliability FAR exceed that of AT&T or T-Mobile in RURAL areas of NC. VOICE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES DO NOT WORK ON VERIZON. If you absolutely need to stick to Verizon I have a functional work-around but it does take some time to set up(at the end of post)
AT&T: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON AT&T. If you are not tied to any carrier, I would recommend using AT&T or the best MVNO it has: Good2GO. It is on par with T-Mobile in the city, and also works fine in rural areas.
T-Mobile: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON T-Mobile. I do not recommend this unless you only live in the city and only stay in the city. Rural areas are a no-go for T-Mobile in NC(if you want more specific about which rural areas were tested lmk, but this is mostly central NC)
So I came from Verizon. What is holding me there or why would I recommend you keep it? Well, if you have a current family plan on Verizon with unlimited data, you may want to consider this too, although it is inconvenient.
Reasons to keep Verizon: Unlimited 4G LTE Data plan or an MVNO from Verizon all offer the *MOST RELIABLE* 4G LTE connection. This means that there will rarely be a place without 4G LTE on. The next best thing is AT&T, and although you may not get 4G in as many places as Verizon, it is pretty damn close. Bonus from AT&T is you can actually make calls and text, but wait.... what about 100% Verizon?
IF you reached this spot it is because you want to know the ONLY currently FUNCTIONAL workaround for this problem with no VOLTE VOWIFI or Calls or texts. The solution is to set up call forwarding to a free google voice number from the my verizon app. While you are there, you may as well want to bookmark a webpage in chrome or your browser of choice for text messages. Verizon offers a free service where you can check your texts online. This was originally intended for looking at texts on your computer, but who said you can't use it on your phone?
However, I, cannot stand the idea of being in an emergency where the 4G signal from verizon is too low to make a google voice call, and that I NEED to call someone. Therefore what I am doing is the following: Setting up the Verizon workaround for forwarding calls to the google number, setting up the text message workaround on verizon, and STILL getting an emergency $10/mo AT&T MVNO plan that has unlimited text and calls(Good2go mobile).
other AT&T MVNO's charge way more for that feature by the way. I am usually always travelling, so the amount of times I will be without 4G LTE from any carrier(T-mobile, AT&T, or Verizon) is increased exponentially. I need that backup failsafe with the AT&T MVNO.
With that being said though, if you're wondering why I didn't mention google fi, it is because this sim card 100% did not work at all in this cell phone. I tried changing the APN's and everything else under the sun but it simply did not work. Big bummer since I was hoping this would be my next daily driver for a carrier.
If there is anything else you're interested in let me know. I've had the phone for a good week now so I'm pretty comfy with the way it works and other small things.

ZyroSS said:
This is the first time I have ever posted anything so please excuse the lack of formatting or "neatness."
First of all I want to say that every test I have done was done for a period of 3 days with each of these carriers. The test involved taking the cell phone to the city(Raleigh, NC) to a more rural area(literally anywhere not Raleigh) to test for signal strength differences, voice, and sms. Also, the phone I used is the North American model not the tencent model.
The reason I even did this is because I do not want let go of my Verizon SIM card(I still won't but there is a different reason why at the end)
OK so with that being said let's talk FUNCTIONALITY: ASUS(I have a screenshot of this) is telling me to read in between the lines and that they will push for VoLTE and VoWIFI with USA Carriers AFTER they shut down their 2g/3g Services. However right now VOLTE & VOWIFI DO NOT WORK WITH ANY CARRIER IN THE USA. The closest thing you can get to VOWIFI/VOLTE.
Verizon: Full 4G Support, Data speed and reliability FAR exceed that of AT&T or T-Mobile in RURAL areas of NC. VOICE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES DO NOT WORK ON VERIZON. If you absolutely need to stick to Verizon I have a functional work-around but it does take some time to set up(at the end of post)
AT&T: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON AT&T. If you are not tied to any carrier, I would recommend using AT&T or the best MVNO it has: Good2GO. It is on par with T-Mobile in the city, and also works fine in rural areas.
T-Mobile: Full 4G,H+,1X Support. VOICE CALLS, TEXT, DATA ALL WORK ON T-Mobile. I do not recommend this unless you only live in the city and only stay in the city. Rural areas are a no-go for T-Mobile in NC(if you want more specific about which rural areas were tested lmk, but this is mostly central NC)
So I came from Verizon. What is holding me there or why would I recommend you keep it? Well, if you have a current family plan on Verizon with unlimited data, you may want to consider this too, although it is inconvenient.
Reasons to keep Verizon: Unlimited 4G LTE Data plan or an MVNO from Verizon all offer the *MOST RELIABLE* 4G LTE connection. This means that there will rarely be a place without 4G LTE on. The next best thing is AT&T, and although you may not get 4G in as many places as Verizon, it is pretty damn close. Bonus from AT&T is you can actually make calls and text, but wait.... what about 100% Verizon?
IF you reached this spot it is because you want to know the ONLY currently FUNCTIONAL workaround for this problem with no VOLTE VOWIFI or Calls or texts. The solution is to set up call forwarding to a free google voice number from the my verizon app. While you are there, you may as well want to bookmark a webpage in chrome or your browser of choice for text messages. Verizon offers a free service where you can check your texts online. This was originally intended for looking at texts on your computer, but who said you can't use it on your phone?
However, I, cannot stand the idea of being in an emergency where the 4G signal from verizon is too low to make a google voice call, and that I NEED to call someone. Therefore what I am doing is the following: Setting up the Verizon workaround for forwarding calls to the google number, setting up the text message workaround on verizon, and STILL getting an emergency $10/mo AT&T MVNO plan that has unlimited text and calls(Good2go mobile).
other AT&T MVNO's charge way more for that feature by the way. I am usually always travelling, so the amount of times I will be without 4G LTE from any carrier(T-mobile, AT&T, or Verizon) is increased exponentially. I need that backup failsafe with the AT&T MVNO.
With that being said though, if you're wondering why I didn't mention google fi, it is because this sim card 100% did not work at all in this cell phone. I tried changing the APN's and everything else under the sun but it simply did not work. Big bummer since I was hoping this would be my next daily driver for a carrier.
If there is anything else you're interested in let me know. I've had the phone for a good week now so I'm pretty comfy with the way it works and other small things.
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Did you try CDMA_Less on Verizon?

tech_head said:
Did you try CDMA_Less on Verizon?
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Yes, didn't work

So this is all true for the international version, but not for the Tencent edition. Tencent version only supports bands 1-4 and pretty much nothing else. Those are the old school bands for AT&T and TMobile, so signal is ok but not great. Indoors TMobile is pretty bad with the Tencent phone, whereas I get fantastic signal with my OnePlus 7 pro in the same places on TMobile.
Damn shame, other than that the rog2 is better in every way and I'm going to miss it dearly but I've got a 1 year old and not having a cell signal at home or work is not an option.

cyagl643 said:
Are there any other downsides, because im thinking even if going overseas you can use it like Vowifi because as long as you have some kind of connection via wifi or data you should get calls and texts via the app.
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I'm considering this method as well. I'm a trucker, so network coverage is a deal breaker for which carrier I use, and no one comes close to Verizon. My big concern now is how 911 would work. I know I couldn't do it via Google Voice, but I'm wondering if the phone would default back to the phone radio and seek out a usable network. I know cell phones are required be able to make 911 calls from any available network in the U.S, even if not activated with a carrier. So would the phone make a 911 call via AT&T or TMO?
If I go through with it, I may do it a slightly different way. I have a spare line I could cancel. Instead, I may activate the ROG II to that one, then port my existing number to GV. That way I could use GV but as my current number. I figure that would be easiest on those with my contact info.

Its a dual sim phone. Why not have Verizon and a GSM MVPN? Straight talk has some call only plans for $20/month.

bruciebabie1963 said:
Its a dual sim phone. Why not have Verizon and a GSM MVPN? Straight talk has some call only plans for $20/month.
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And what happens when the gsm(3g) gets turned off in beginning of 2020? Asus seriously f'd up not allowing volte.

homerunbm33 said:
So I have att and really would like to get this phone but concerned about any possible issues(for example no band 14 and 30) . Did you have any issues with service with att? I'm considering the rog, op7t or pixel 4. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
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No, I had no real issues with AT&T, it's the reason I'm getting my 2nd sim to be an MVNO for this phone. 1 Carrier only AT&T is simply the best overall for this phone. If we say Verizon is 100% 4G LTE strength/reliabililty, then AT&T is like 90%, while AT&T is 60%. This is of course in more rural areas. In the city it matters not if you have AT&T or T-Mobile...

cyagl643 said:
The Verizon idea sounds like a great workaround because you can also download the My Messages app at the play store and it works the same as the website. The only downside, and correct me if Im wrong would be when calling people they would see your google number and not your real cell number. Are there any other downsides, because im thinking even if going overseas you can use it like Vowifi because as long as you have some kind of connection via wifi or data you should get calls and texts via the app.
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I'm afraid you can't use the app it just doesn't work I tried this... maybe it'll work for you though? Otherwise yes, they would get a call from another number(the google number) and they can call either your google number or verizon number and both will work. it's more of there so you don't inconvenience your contacts, but you should probably tell them you simply switched to (google number) and to just call/text there if you're sticking to verizon only, imo.
otherwise yes the app itself only needs data it doesnt matter if you grab data from ethernet(works), 4G, or wifi...

Mr_Mooncatt said:
I'm considering this method as well. I'm a trucker, so network coverage is a deal breaker for which carrier I use, and no one comes close to Verizon. My big concern now is how 911 would work. I know I couldn't do it via Google Voice, but I'm wondering if the phone would default back to the phone radio and seek out a usable network. I know cell phones are required be able to make 911 calls from any available network in the U.S, even if not activated with a carrier. So would the phone make a 911 call via AT&T or TMO?
If I go through with it, I may do it a slightly different way. I have a spare line I could cancel. Instead, I may activate the ROG II to that one, then port my existing number to GV. That way I could use GV but as my current number. I figure that would be easiest on those with my contact info.
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Technically speaking 911 SHOULD work, but I'm not about to get in trouble trying that one out LOL. I have a backup emergency cell phone line for those emergencies since I also, cannot stand not being able to have that option even if the chances are slim. I am also keeping Verizon because it simply has the strongest 4G signal of the USA carriers that I tested, however AT&T isn't too far behind it's definitely good, just not great. AT&T gets calls and texts by default too so theres that as well lol

bruciebabie1963 said:
Its a dual sim phone. Why not have Verizon and a GSM MVPN? Straight talk has some call only plans for $20/month.
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This is exactly what I did. I purchased a plan $10/mo for unlimited calls/texts through Good2go mobile, an AT&T MVNO...

ZyroSS said:
This is exactly what I did. I purchased a plan $10/mo for unlimited calls/texts through Good2go mobile, an AT&T MVNO...
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I may consider this as well. I'll likely run it Verizon only with the work around and see how it goes before adding a second SIM.
As for 911, I think I may be able to contact a local 911 operator and see what info I can glean from them.
---------- Post added at 03:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 PM ----------
I did find this, which includes some info both on how 911 works with un-activated phones, and how to make a test call.
https://www.911.gov/frequently_asked_questions.html

ZyroSS said:
I'm afraid you can't use the app it just doesn't work I tried this... maybe it'll work for you though? Otherwise yes, they would get a call from another number(the google number) and they can call either your google number or verizon number and both will work. it's more of there so you don't inconvenience your contacts, but you should probably tell them you simply switched to (google number) and to just call/text there if you're sticking to verizon only, imo.
otherwise yes the app itself only needs data it doesnt matter if you grab data from ethernet(works), 4G, or wifi...
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I mean I tried the app on the current phone I have with wifi calling off and airplane mode on, and had someone text me and I got it.

Hey, so I've tried everything I read online to forward my calls to Google voice. I have Verizon. I've tried both *72 and *73. I've made sure to not have any forwarding set up on GV so I'm not in an infinite forwarding loop. But no matter what, it seems the calls straight to GV voicemail. Is there something I'm missing? I've also tried it with my Verizon number linked and after I deleted it. Any help would be much appreciated. thank you

Drkstover said:
Hey, so I've tried everything I read online to forward my calls to Google voice. I have Verizon. I've tried both *72 and *73. I've made sure to not have any forwarding set up on GV so I'm not in an infinite forwarding loop. But no matter what, it seems the calls straight to GV voicemail. Is there something I'm missing? I've also tried it with my Verizon number linked and after I deleted it. Any help would be much appreciated. thank you
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I called Verizon and had them forward my calls to my GV # and it works fine.

AVJ1221 said:
I called Verizon and had them forward my calls to my GV # and it works fine.
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What app are you using for GV calls? Google Voice app doesn't ring for me...

ram4ufriends said:
What app are you using for GV calls? Google Voice app doesn't ring for me...
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Try restarting your phone. Sometimes GV gets buggy for some unknown reason. I also have Hangouts and Hangouts dialer downloaded so Google assistant can make calls when I ask. I believe GV can dial out through dialer as well.
And make sure to allow GV and any other calling app you're using to auto start in your phone settings.

ZyroSS said:
This is exactly what I did. I purchased a plan $10/mo for unlimited calls/texts through Good2go mobile, an AT&T MVNO...
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How is Good2go working for you?
Any problems in calls/texts?
Thanks.

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