US 4G/5G LTE support

[PineFan]

I just tried activating the phone on PPC which uses the Verizon network.  "This phone is not VoLTE capable and not eligible for activation with Page Plus."  So, you say it is but just needs to be registered with Verizon?  PPC/Verizon made their determination with the MEID.

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I see on www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/mobile/features/unlocked-phones-and-your-carrier-how-they-work-together "If  you are with a carrier that doesn't list  your unlocked phone as being LTE cabable, you can always just give them an IMEI number of a carrier-branded phone.  Or set up your account on a carrier-branded phone first, then switch the SIM card into the unlocked phone."  But the webpage was last updated 4 years ago.  

So, would this work on VoLTE networks with a SIM from a registerable phone?

soyrunner

The EG25-G spec sheet says VoLTE is optional. I would assume a software upgrade. But one of the phone designers would have to answer whether they paid for that.

Assuming they did, Verizon's support page says they will activate unlocked devices for VoLTE but not wifi calling. They require a software download to enable it that they simply refuse to provide to non-Verizon phones. Since Page Plus uses Verizons networks, I would assume the same applies to them. I have not tried that - using a registered phones SIM to activate VoLTE. I'd love to hear of anybody whose successfully done it. So all I can say is try it.

Since this modem is really set up for GSM, you'd have better luck with AT&T, T-Mobile and their MVNOs. AT&T is shutting down their 2G and 3G network in 2022. As a service for the many people who will lose calling capability at that time, they are enabling VoLTE for any device on their Network.

T-Mobile, last I heard, was waiting on the outcome of their merger to decide when and how they will refarm their 2G/3G network. So stay tuned for that. If and when that happens, if VoLTE is not enabled on the Pinephone, it will lose the ability to make phone calls. This is why I asked for an upgrade of the modem to the EC25-AF chip. It's pin compatible, has VoLTE and all the bands necessary for both AT&T and T-mobile's 4G/5G migration. The current chip does not (missing AT&T band 14, and T-Mobile bands 66 and 71).

As long as the modem has VoLTE enabled, the phone will continue to work past 2022. But I haven't gotten an answer from Pine if it is.

Assuming that the Pinephone will develop into a practical smartphone, even those that only travel to the U.S, will be benefited by better compatibility with U.S. carriers.  Seems only reasonable to explore greater interoperability options for future iterations of the PP. 

Appreciate that 'Rocket' and others are exploring and gathering information on this.  More than just hobby fun, Pine64's various projects (PBP, Pinephone, etc) could become viable and possibly important products with a little luck, the proper vision, energy and strategy.   Intentionally excluding the U.S. market seems like a missed opportunity.