3G/HSPA
refers to a third generation of wireless access standards that allows mobile
devices to connect to the internet and to place and receive voice calls. 3G was
introduced in the early 2000s and has been followed by 4G LTE and, most
recently, by the newest generation of wireless standards, 5G.
AT&T discontinued its 3G/HSPA network in February 2022.
T-Mobile has announced its 3G/HSPA network service will be discontinued as of July 1, 2022.
Verizon uses a different 3G standard, known as CDMA. CDMA is no longer supported by Canadian wireless service providers so the shutdown of its CDMA network, also expected to be in 2022, will not impact Canadian mobile wireless subscribers.
When travelling in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) Canadian subscribers are able to connect to the internet and make and receive mobile voice calls by accessing the mobile wireless networks of U.S. service providers. This is referred to as “roaming”.
If your mobile device only supports 3G/HSPA network, you may experience service interruptions or reduced voice call quality while travelling in the U.S. Your data experience may be impacted as well.
Provided you have a compatible device, wireless services will continue to be available on U.S. carrier 4G LTE when roaming in the U.S.A.
See “Based on my device type, what services are impacted by the 3G network discontinuation?” below for more details.
Near the battery icon on the display screen on
most mobile devices there will be a 3G / HSPA network identifier shown when
connected to a 3G/HSPA network. You will typically see an LTE or 4G carrier
network identifier if you are using a 4G LTE-capable device and connected to a
4G LTE network.
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) allows customers with a
compatible phone to place and receive voice calls over a 4G LTE network instead
of a 3G/HSPA network. VoLTE enables faster call connection times and improved
voice quality service. VoLTE
roaming is placing and receiving voice calls while accessing the network of a
service provider that is not your home service provider. Check your 4G LTE
compatible mobile device specifications to confirm it supports VoLTE roaming.
If you have an older LTE device, you may need to update your device software.
Not automatically. In order to enjoy roaming
in the U.S. you must be on the latest software update. If your device is no
longer supported with software updates, your device will not be compatible with
the U.S. networks going forward.
VoLTE roaming compatible – NOW
If your device was purchased from Eastlink, has the latest software update installed, and VoLTE is enabled in your device settings, the following devices support VoLTE roaming and we expect to work on partnered U.S. carriers 4G LTE networks:
• iPhone 6s & 6s Plus or newer
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 & Z Fold3, Z Flip4, Z Fold4, Z Flip5, Z Fold5
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+, Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy
S10e, S10, S10+,
S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
• Samsung Galaxy A03s, A11, A12, A13, A14, A21, A32, A51, A52, A53, A54, A71, XCover6 Pro
•
Motorola moto g power, moto g pure, moto g 5G, razr
•
LG
Velvet, K41,
K61, G8, G8x
• Alcatel Go Flip3
Click here to learn how to enable VoLTE.
If your device was purchased from Eastlink, the following devices are not VoLTE roaming compatible. You may experience service interruptions or reduced voice & data quality after July 1, 2022:
• iPhone 6 or older
• Samsung Galaxy Note8, Note 9
• Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, S8, S8 Plus, S9, S9+
• Samsung Galaxy A5, A8, A10e, A20, A50, A70, XCover4
• LG XPower3, LG Stylo Plus, LG G7 One, LGQ60
• Alcatel Go Flip
If your device was purchased from another carrier, VoLTE roaming compatibility will vary:
• iPhone 6s &6s Plus or newer – compatible now (with latest software installed)
• All other devices – unknown
Some devices
will default automatically to having the 4G LTE and VoLTE service selected. For
other devices you have to enable 4G LTE and VoLTE service in the device
settings.
For details
on how to check the settings on your device to ensure both 4G LTE and VoLTE
service are turned on, visit your device manufacturer’s support pages.
3G/HPSA Only Devices:
Voice and data services may experience service interruptions or reduced quality.
4G LTE (without VoLTE roaming capability) Devices:
Voice services (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) may experience service interruptions or reduced quality.
Your data services (e.g. connecting to internet and using mobile apps) will continue to be supported when in 4G LTE network coverage on AT&T and T-Mobile. (Standard roaming charges apply)
4G LTE (with VoLTE roaming capability) Devices:
No impact on data services or voice calling when in 4G LTE network coverage on AT&T and T-Mobile. (Standard roaming charges apply)
If you wish to use mobile voice and data services while travelling
in the U.S. you will need to upgrade your device to one that is Voice over LTE
(VoLTE) roaming compatible. Check out eastlink.ca to learn more about what
device options are available to you.
Yes, most 5G phones that are still receiving software updates will be able to work on AT&T and T-Mobile 4G/LTE networks. If in doubt, you can check the specifications for your device on the device manufacturer’s website.
The AT&T and T-Mobile 3G/HSPA network service discontinuation should
not impact your ability to use your device’s Wi-Fi capabilities when connected
to a Wi-Fi network.