Phone Calls Fail Constantly

Also tried network status checker and it says the same vague thing for months with no update.  We’re working on the network and will post updates here…. But no updates ever.

Doesn’t sound great @IDProblems. 

Had a similar network status message in my area for nearly 12-months, so don’t hold-your-breath. Nor could / would anybody find out (from Three UK) the completion date.

My guess is Three UK are working on their backhaul network infrastructure and cell towers, in your area, in preparation for their 3G network shutdown across the UK by end of 2024.

For anyone else with the same problem, I have found an interim solution with absolutely no help or response from ID.  Customer service is non existent, they just don’t respond at all.

Anyway, turns out that basically the VoLTE calling is not fit for purpose.  If you have the same problem go to (on iPhone) Settings: Cellular: Cellular Data Options: and turn off VoLTE.

For anyone that does not know, the “upgrading” of the network essentially means that calls are made via VoLTE as opposed to a traditional phone call.  VoLTE essentially means that you are using data to make the call a bit like if you use internet calling when connected.  It also makes calls higher definition, so more data is needed to support the quality (of not) of the call.  In my area certainly, the network is not sufficient to support this and the call degrades and then cuts off even with full signal.  Even with a perfect internet connection the calls still fail which indicates the network is just not capable of supporting these calls as opposed to not being a fast enough connection.

By switching back to the older style of calling (as explained above)at normal quality, calls work fine.

However eventually they will switch the old ‘actually working’ way of making calls off and everyone will be forced to use VoLTE.  Anyone in my area on ID will simply not be able to make calls when this happens so will need to find a new provider unless they fix this.  Also anyone with an older phone that doesn’t support VoLTE will not be able to make calls anywhere in the UK or EU where 3G is switched off.

looks like a great way for ID to lose loads of customers and an industry wide scam to sell new phones.  Think about older people comfortable with a simple to use brick.  Soon it wont work!

Thanks for sharing this workaround, @IDProblems. 

Not sure an iPhone with 5G capability has an option in the Settings app to turn off VoLTE.  

Getting fed up with phone not being able to access connections and being cut off constantly 

Hi @Jewelslatham22 

Sorry to hear this, could you give us a little more information as to your issue here?

Please could you let us know the postcode(s) where you’re having these issues?

Tom

Same here. Failed calls all the time. I’m in Cambridge 

Hi @Anastasia82 

Sorry to hear this, we’d recommend the following;

• 3G is being switched off and I can't make calls. What do I need to do? F.A.Q.

Tom