Frequently Asked Questions - Voice over LTE (4G)

What are the benefits of VoLTE?

VoLTE will help us connect more customers in rural NZ as part of the RBI2 initiative. The RBI2 initiative enables coverage in rural areas by rolling out 4G cell sites and enabling VoLTE calls for 4G sites only.



Which smartphones and modems are compatible with VoLTE?

The phones and modems listed below are already compatible with VoLTE:

  • Apple iPhone 11

  • Apple iPhone 11 Pro

  • Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

  • Apple iPhone 6

  • Apple iPhone 6 Plus

  • Apple iPhone 6s

  • Apple iPhone 6s Plus

  • Apple iPhone 7

  • Apple iPhone 7 Plus

  • Apple iPhone SE

  • Apple iPhone X

  • Apple iPhone Xr

  • Apple iPhone Xs

  • Apple iPhone Xs Max

  • Apple iPhone 8

  • Apple iPhone 8 Plus

  • B525

  • Ogima

  • Galaxy A10

  • Galaxy A20

  • Galaxy A50

  • Galaxy A90 5G

  • Galaxy Fold (4G)

  • Galaxy Note 10

  • Galaxy Note 10+

  • Galaxy Note 10+ 5G

  • Galaxy Note8

  • Galaxy Note9

  • Galaxy S10

  • Galaxy S10+

  • Galaxy S10e

  • Galaxy S9

  • Galaxy S9+

  • J5 Pro

  • Smart X9

Please note that Apple devices are defaulted to "off". Need to turn on VoLTE via Settings. Modem - All B525 Rural Broadband modem's supplied from August 19th 2019 are VoLTE compatible. Existing B525 modems will receive firmware upgrade over the network, which is planned to begin by September 2019. No intervention is required from customers end. Handsets not yet compatible: Samsung - Samsung Galaxy A8 and Galaxy J6 will also be compatible in the future. Vodafone - The Smart N10 and V10 will be compatible. The update for these smartphones will be available approximately by September 2019. Please note, all smartphones and modems older than the ones listed above will not be compatible with VoLTE.



What happens when I move from a 2G/3G area to a 4G area while making a call over VoLTE?

Since these are two very distinct technologies, your call will drop out when you move into the 4G only area. If you have VoLTE activated on your device and plan, you’ll be able to redial the number and continue your call.



What happens when I move from a 4G only area to a 2G/3G area while making a call over VoLTE?

Since 4G is the more advance connection, it is easily compatible with 2G/3G. This means your call will simply transfer over, allowing you to stay connected without any interruption on a 2G/3G area while making a call over VoLTE?



Is video calling compatible with VoLTE?

If you’re calling from a 4G network area to another 4G network area, video calling will continue to work with VoLTE. If you are calling from a 3G network area to a 4G network area or vice versa using VoLTE, your call may only connect via audio or not connect at all. If you feel the person you are calling isn’t in a 4G network area, but you’d still like to make a video call, you can simply switch off VoLTE on your smartphone and then make the call.



What is VoLTE?

VoLTE is an abbreviation for Voice over LTE (4G). Rather than over the 3G/2G network, your device will stay on 4G rather than drop to 3G to make a voice or video call.



What will a device software update look like on my smartphone?

The change to include VoLTE on your device will be part of the standard software update schedule for your device. Some Android devices may see a small change on their phones when in a VoLTE enabled area. As an example, here’s what that change will look like on a Huawei P20 and Samsung Galaxy S9. Samsung Galaxy S9 Huawei P20 The update will also enable new functions on your smartphone, allowing you to turn VoLTE on or off. On iPhones, VoLTE will be turned off by default. VoLTE as off; customers will need to enable it manually on their device once their software upgrade has completed.



How do I set up VoLTE on my smartphone?

Apple (iOS)

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap Mobile
  3. Tap Mobile Data Options
  4. Enable 4G Voice and Data
Huawei
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap Wireless and Networks
  3. Tap Mobile Networks
  4. Enable VoLTE calls
Samsung
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap Connections
  3. Tap Mobile Networks
  4. Enable VoLTE calls
Please note: Samsung and Huawei smartphones, and any Vodafone branded devices will have VoLTE turned on by default when you are in a 4G network area. At such times, you will not find a VoLTE toggle in the settings menu of your smartphone.



How will I know if I am in a VoLTE area?

Android: You might see a VoLTE or HD symbol on the top of your device (next to the signal strength indicator) otherwise your device will stay on 4G during a call iPhone: There is no VoLTE symbol so your phone will display 4G.



When I make a call over VoLTE, does this use my plan data?

When you make a VoLTE call, it will use your plan’s minutes, not your data.



Is roaming within New Zealand or overseas supported by VoLTE?

If you are roaming within New Zealand, you will not have access to VoLTE. Similarly, if you are a Vodafone New Zealand customer, you won’t have access to the VoLTE networks of other countries while you are on roaming in those regions.



Will my device make voice calls in a 4G or 4G voice only area?

Only VoLTE compatible devices will be able to make and receive voice calls in an area that has 4G only and no 2G/3G coverage.



How do I know if I am in a 4G or 4G voice only area without 2G/3G coverage?

The coverage map can be used to find these locations. Note that the coverage map is a predictive tool. To find out more call our team on 0800 32 76 74. https://www.farmside.co.nz/coverage-check



Why is there 4G and 4G only coverage without 2G/3G?

RCG (Rural Connectivity Group) is deploying 425 rural cellsites throughout New Zealand providing VF 4G only coverage. Most of these sites will be deeply rural and therefore may not have 2G/3G coverage. Some of these site will get 3G in the future. For more information go to thercg.co.nz