Discussions

I recently bought an old unlocked iPhone 5c for my parent to use, which originated on Rogers. Though phones from this era (or at least anything ported from Rogers/MTS) seem to use LTE only for data and 3G for phone calls, it wasn't anything I paid much attention to.  
 
That is, until I got a phone call from Telus asking me to upgrade this iPhone as the rep claimed that the 3G network (I assume) was in the process of being shut down. And today I got this email.  
 
// In order to provide our customers with the best possible service, we've upgraded our network in select areas in Manitoba to the leading-edge Voice over LTE (VoLTE) network.  
 
To avoid reduced indoor calling coverage and stay connected in Winnipeg and Brandon, you'll need to upgrade your phone to one that's compatible with our VoLTE network. //  
 
Since I had already upgraded to a new phone (and thus had a Vo-LTE ready Pixel 3 kicking around) I just put the sim in there, thus solving that problem. However, it would be nice for some clarification (from a Telus rep preferably) because I can see this causing a lot of confusion.  
 
The email states "selected areas of Manitoba". AKA Brandon and Winnipeg. However, that doesn't sound correct since i'm guessing they don't want Brandon/Winnipeg to become dead zones for all their rural customers.  
 
I'm confused. Less 3G, or bye bye 3G?  
 
Edited by Simonwalcal, 2020-12-24 22:13:24

3G isn't going anywhere for at least 5 years but they do move away some of the technology behind 3G towards future technologies as they're more reliable, faster, cheaper to maintain. Telus has towers all down Trans Canada highway from Virden to Winnipeg but everywhere else it uses Bell's network. I haven't seen any issues with VOLTE when connected to a Bell MTS tower, so for most part it will work on VOLTE if the tower supports it. As for the 5C, that one won't support the technology at all, it will drop to 3G for voice. LTE is far, far better than 3G - better coverage in rural areas, far faster speeds and better audio quality (when available) over VOLTE

Interesting fact, Bell has bought all of rule telus Towers the only Towers now that telus owns are in Winnipeg and Brandon.

Someone else said not long ago the contract will be up soon for Telus sharing Bell towers anyone else aware of this or know any info on that agreement?

As far as I know they will still have an active agreement to roam on Bell, but Brandon and Winnipeg are the only two city's with actual Telus Towers as well both are in the process of being upgraded to 5G.

Good to know.  
 
I indeed like voLTE, have since it was starting to show up on my new stuff. Just had to clarify.  
And I had wondered if it had something to do with the expiration of the BellMTS agreement in Winnipeg/Brandon since I notice LTE stuff no longer uses their towers. It's noticable in the Boston Pizza area (the new Bell tower is literally in the line of sight).  
 
Either way, thanks for clearing that up for me and everyone.