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Moving to new technologies ( 3G Sunset )

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3G networks are being phased out and replaced with available 4G and 5G networks. 3G technology is currently considered outdated and not suited to modern network operations, failing to provide our customers with the full potential of available services. Deploying new generation technologies offers increased capacity, allowing customers to access more services simultaneously. Additionally, we are shifting to VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which enhances call quality and enables simultaneous voice and data usage, ensuring a better overall experience for our users.

3G networks are being phased out and replaced with available 4G and 5G networks. 3G technology is currently considered outdated and not suited to modern network operations, failing to provide our customers with the full potential of available services. Deploying new generation technologies offers increased capacity, allowing customers to access more services simultaneously. Additionally, we are shifting to VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which enhances call quality and enables simultaneous voice and data usage, ensuring a better overall experience for our users.

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VoLTE Supported Devices

  1. Apple:
    • iPhone 8 and newer models (including all recent models like iPhone 14 and 15)
  2. Samsung Galaxy S Series:
    • Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S10, S20, S21, S22, S23, and newer models (including unlocked versions).
  3. Samsung Galaxy Note Series:
    • Galaxy Note 8 and newer models (including Note 9, Note 10, and Note 20).
  4. Samsung Galaxy A Series:
    • A10, A20, A32, A50, A51, A52, A53, A54, and newer models (including unlocked versions).
  5. LG:
    • LG G Series (G7 and newer, including G8 and V50, though LG has stopped producing smartphones).
  6. Google Pixel:
    • Pixel 3 and newer models (including Pixel 4, 5, 6, and 7).
  7. OnePlus:
    • OnePlus 7 Pro 5G and newer models (including OnePlus 8, 9, 10, and 11).
  8. Huawei:
    • o Many devices, including the P30, P40, Mate 30, and newer models, support VoLTE.

Notes
This list includes a variety of popular smartphones that support VoLTE. Always check with your carrier for the most up-to-date compatibility details.

How to Turn on VoLTE:

Android Phones:

Depending on your device, you can find the VoLTE option in one of these locations:

  1. Samsung Devices:
    • Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks: Toggle VoLTE to On.
    • For 5G models, VoLTE is automatically enabled.
  2. Google Pixel Devices:
    • VoLTE is automatically enabled as of the 2021 updates, and the toggle may not be visible.
  3. OnePlus Devices:
    • Settings > Wi-Fi & Network > SIM & Network: Enable VoLTE for the respective SIM.
  4. LG Devices:
    • Settings > Network > Mobile Networks: Toggle VoLTE to On.
  5. Huawei Devices:
    • Settings > Mobile Network > Advanced Settings: Enable VoLTE.
iOS Phones
  1. iOS 13:
    • Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and select LTE, then enable VoLTE.
  2. iOS 14:
    • Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data and set VoLTE On.
  3. iOS15 and Newer:
    • Settings > Wi-Fi & Network > SIM & Network: Enable VoLTE for the respective SIM.

Notes: For iPhones that support 5G, VoLTE is automatically enabled, as it is required for 5G.

Important Reminders
  • Ensure your carrier supports VoLTE for your specific device.
  • Check for any software updates if you do not see the VoLTE option.
  • VoLTE settings might vary slightly based on your device model and carrier.

If you need more specific instructions for your device model, feel free to ask!

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Additional Information

What is 3G and how it is different from 4G?

3G is a mobile technology which is one generation older than 4G. 3G has lower data rates than 4G and it is more complex to maintain. On the other hand, 4G and 5G networks offer significantly faster download and upload, allowing customers to access content and services more quickly. 4G and 5G networks are more reliable than 3G networks, providing customers with a more consistent connection. 4G and 5G networks offer lower latency, meaning customers can experience faster response times when accessing services. Finally,4G and 5G networks offer increased capacity, allowing customers to access more services at the same time.

The 3G shutting down starts in July 2024, why did you announce it now?

While seamlessly shutting down an existing technology we need to ensure the existing subscribers do not face any disruptions in service. This requires many preparations to ensure that there are replacement technologies/handsets/devices available for the subscribers when this is done. Hence the 3G sunset is being announced now so that everyone knows of the coming change and remains prepared, although, the internal preparation actually started a lot earlier.

Which locations will be affected by 3G shutdown?

3G will be shut down over the whole Sultanate eventually, however, the activity is being planned in a way that there should not be any location that experiences a negative impact after 3G shutdown.

What will be affected by 3G shutdown?

A normal subscriber who has a VoLTE capable phone will experience no change at all. However, subscribers who do not have a VoLTE phone will be using 2G for voice, which is also stable but slightly lower in voice quality.

Which phones won’t work after 3G shutdown?

Phones that only support 3G will not work. Phones that support 2G/3G will experience a stark reduction in data rates  and very small reduction in voice quality. Customers are advised to upgrade to the new networks as soon as possible.

What can I do with my old 3G device?

Replace the old 3G device with one that preferably supports 5G/4G/VoLTE or at least supports 4G/VoLTE.

How do I know if my phone will work after 3G shutdown?

The technology capability of any phone model can be checked online at websites such as https://www.gsmarena.com/
etc.

How do I know if I have 4G compatible device?

The technology capability of any phone model can be checked online at websites such as https://www.gsmarena.com/
etc.

If my device not supporting 4G or 5G devices, what can I do?

Replace the old 3G device with one that preferably supports 5G/4G/VoLTE or at least supports 4G/VoLTE.

Is there any smart watch that will be affected by 3G shutdown?

Smart watches will not be affected.

Will 3G shutdown affect laptops and tablets?

If the Laptop or tablet has a sim slot and is connected to the network then the technology capability must be checked to confirm if it can connect to 4G + 5G

Do I need to change my SIM card after 3G shutdown?! If yes, form where and how much would it cost?

SIM cards won’t require to be changed.

Will my home internet will be affected after 3G shutdown?

Home Internet will not be affected by 3G shutdown.

I have 4G device , do I need to make any changes in network setting?

In some instances, VoLTE is manually disabled on the device although the device supports VoLTE. In such cases VoLTE would need to be enabled to allow voice calls on 4G. Besides this there is no other change required on 4G devices.

I’m an inbound roamer in Oman, will this change affect me?

If your device is 3G only or 2G/3G, then it will affect, as explained in the questions above.
If your device is VoLTE/4G/5G capable then it will not affect.

Are there any services available on 3G but not on 4G?

There are no services that are exclusive to 3G. In fact all services perform better on 4G as compared to 3G, because of benefits like faster speeds, better coverage, and more reliable connections.

What is VoLTE?

VoLTE is the acronym for Voice Over LTE. It is the technology which enables voice calls to be made on a 4G network through a data connection.