TELUS flanker brand Koodo Mobile has finally launched VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling for customers, as announced (update, forgot link) on their community forums:
So, here’s something cool: Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE is available for Koodo customers with the Android LG V30! We’re adding additional devices soon, so if you’re not an Android LG V30 user, hang tight!
There’s a caveat though, as right now the only device supported is the LG V30 Android smartphone. Koodo says “iOS and other Android devices will be available soon.”
With VoLTE, it allows customers to place voice calls over LTE networks instead of HSPA, resulting in quicker call connections and better voice quality, supporting HD Audio. Users are able to simultaneously use voice and data over LTE, instead of seeing voice calls routed over older networks.
Koodo says VoLTE is available nationally, “except for the province of Saskatchewan and some parts of Manitoba. We will be adding these locations in the near future.”
As for Wi-Fi Calling, it allows users to continue to send and receive voice calls and text messages, in areas of low or no cell coverage, but connected to a local Wi-Fi network. This feature is helpful for those in basements or areas where cell coverage normally is lacking.
We reported last fall Koodo had confirmed it was testing VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling, and last month a representative told iPhone in Canada the launch would be coming in April—and here it is, albeit in a limited capacity.
We’ll keep you up to date as to when VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling will be rolled out to iPhone users, but until then, looks like it’s the LG V30 that has all the fun.
Thanks Tim!
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Completely ridiculous. It’s the same infrastructure as Telus and how many people use an iPhone vs an LG phone?
They’d be unwise to not support the iPhone. It’s coming, as per the article: ‘Koodo says “iOS and other Android devices will be available soon.”’
Shaw implemented Shaw Passpoint for iOS users only. However, iOS 11x has become buggy AF and many report being unable to access Shaw Go-wifi as a result. The point being that there are more iOS users in Canada than Android so the logic isn’t there why iOS users have to wait.
Yes, there are more iOS users than Android in Canada (52% vs. 46%). But that percentage is pretty close. Android overtook iOS a few times between 2016 and 2018. When the difference between which one is in the lead changes in a matter of a few months, it’s hardly worth stating that one should be supported more than the other.
Also, you speak of “Android users” when only a single device is currently supported. It just so happens to be an Android device.
If it wasn’t for Telus already supporting it, I’d say picking a phone almost no one uses is a way to roll out the feature without being overwhelmed. But since Telus already has support and it’s 100% the same network, it makes no sense at all. Hell, it makes no sense that Koodo has delayed this long given Telus already supports it.
Also keep in mind that their FAQ says that devices not purchased through them will not be eligible.
Telus says the same thing, but it works with any iPhone. Maybe it’s an non-iPhone thing.
I wasn’t aware of that. It’s possible they have no good means of differentiating them for iPhone.
Yeah, on Telus’ VoLTE page:
Note: Most newer devices will be VoLTE
enabled as they become available. Devices not purchased from TELUS will
not be VoLTE enabled at this time.
—
I think it’s because with Apple you can get it unlocked via Apple and everything is done via carrier update. So there’s no software inside it designating it to a carrier. Once it’s unlocked, there’s no way to differentiate one purchased from Apple/Telus/Other carrier. The entire carrier-specific idea is outdated now with every device being sold unlocked.
I’m on Virgin and have an iPhone 7 bought directly from Apple. It supports WiFi Calling and VoLTE. Once it connects to the Virgin network it must download the carrier specific settings automatically as it just shows up and is also listed in Settings > General > About
Except Koodo hasn’t pushed a carrier update for the iPhone.
I think it’s more of a requirement from Apple to support VoLTE as well as Wi-Fi calling if the network supports it.
It’s their excuse to say if you didn’t buy it from us, we are not supporting it. I am sure it will work with any phone that supports VoLTE, be it Android or iOS
It’s the same walled-garden approach taken by nearly every carrier that supports VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling. The only devices that tend to work regardless of where you bought it from are iPhones, Pixel phones, and (sometimes) the Galaxy line. Namely, the S8 and S9.
So for only the crappiest phone on planet earth nice. Thanks Koodo
No carrier update for latest iPhone or 7…no VOLTE or wifi calling.
This isn’t for iPhones right now. Only the LG v30.
I was holding out for this feature launch to see how it matched up with Vidéotron’s wi/if calling. Definitely going to be switching to Vidéotron at the first opportunity.
Any new word on when Koodo will add more phones to the WiFi calling thanks
Any word on when Koodo mobile will add more phones to the WiFi calling thanks
any update on this anyone?
Volte available for iPhone 6 and higher ?
Just got a carrier update for my iPhone X now. Went into the phone settings and wifi calling was there. I’m now connected to Koodo wifi!
Heyyo, that’s pretty cool! Now if only they didn’t lock it down to Koodo-only purchased devices… It’s bad enough Canada has the most expensive mobile data plans in the WORLD and that mobile carriers in Canada have the highest profit margins of mobile data in the WORLD… Locking it down to Koodo only purchased devices is just extra greed on top… Gross.
Heyyo, heh it seems to be enabled on my LeEco Le Max 2 running LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1 Oreo). I’m pretty darn glad I helped bring a community version of this to the LeEco Le Max 2 now
Well darn, looks like it is potentially locked down… I’ll have to request APN settings for VoLTE and see if hopefully Koodo won’t continue this “paid walled garden” approach they are using right meow… It’s bad enough Canada has the most expensive mobile data plans in the WORLD and that mobile carriers in Canada have the highest profit margins of mobile data in the WORLD… Locking it down to Koodo only purchased devices is just extra greed on top… Gross.