Hello
I’d like to ask, a smartwatch with LTE that doesn’t have an option to set a preferred mobile network i.e. to 3G or 4G and can switch between 3G/4G, if it has a 4G esim activated in it, but VoLTE is not supported by the network, what exactly happens when it’s used for data, sms, calls? Will it switch automatically to 3G? if no 3G is available then does it switch to 2G (even though the watch might not support 2G) automatically?
Thank you
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VoLTE is voice over LTE and only used for voice calls. If VoLTE isn’t available then your device will do a CS fallback to 2G or 3G for calls. It’ll switch to 2G if there’s no 3G or 4G. If it’s not supported you’ll have no signal
If the smartwatch does not have VoLTE capabilities, then it will be unable to make calls or texts unless it’s connected to a 3G or 2G network. If no 3G or 2G network exists, then it’ll just be unable to make calls or texts.
It’ll still have data access as long as a 4G network exists, VoLTE is for calls and texts only.
When VoLTE is not available, a CSFB will be necessary to carry calls, usually over UMTS, unless you’re on 3GPP2 based network like Verizon or Sprint, then it will be carried over CDMA2000.
Text can be carried on 3GPP based LTE (for example AT&T and T-Mobile) without any fallback, this is not always the case for 3GPP2, sometimes there is a brief interruption of cell data when there is SMS going through.
That’s why smart watches are much less of a “world phone”. Unlike a proper mobile phone, there isn’t enough space to put all radio frequency band circuitry in the watch so manufacturers have to choose most commonly supported carriers and bands in the region. A modern iPhone for example supports pretty much EVERY cellular technology since the 2G in ONE device, while Apple Watches are region and carrier-specific, with much narrower roaming capabilities.
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