HKBN mobile Volte calls charge

[Albha]

I can't get clear answer from HKBN are overseas Volte calls charged full, like IDD or nothing, anybody knows?

If charged is there any HK operator mobile Sim where overseas calls would be free when using Volte?

[aw451]

VoLTE is always charged at the same rate as normal calls. Why not just use Skype or WhatsApp?

[bdw]

VoLTE is always charged at the same rate as normal calls. Why not just use Skype or WhatsApp?

I think the key point the OP is asking is about whilst overseas. ie When outside of HK, can you make regular calls and what are the charges, and are their roaming costs?

For example, I have an Australian carrier that has just enabled wifi calling and they dont do any geoblocking. I dont pay for any roaming whatsoever, but when I am in HK, if I am connected to a wifi network, the little phone symbol up the top that is normally 4G or LTE changes to a little wifi symbol and then suddenly and magically I can make and receive calls as if I am in Austalia, all for zero cost, no roaming. When I am not connected to a wifi network, nobody in Aus can reach me and I cant make outgoing calls.

I was shocked to discover this feature recently. My phone rang whilst I was in HK and I am like WTF, how are people in Aus able to call me when this number doesnt have roaming. It took me a while to figure out its a new wifi calling feature that my carrier has enabled.

[Albha]

I think the key point the OP is asking is about whilst overseas. ie When outside of HK, can you make regular calls and what are the charges, and are their roaming costs?

Yes it is about roaming charges, either calling HK Sim overseas or oversea Sim in HK.

I would like use same mobile number/ doing all with one mobile and not really understand why mobile, or let's say operator offer Volte call if charges are same as without Volte (and quality sometimes worse).

Some oversea countries/ people also bit old fashioned, not willing to talk via WhatsApp nor Skype

[eterrestrial32]

I can't get clear answer from HKBN are overseas Volte calls charged full, like IDD or nothing, anybody knows?

If charged is there any HK operator mobile Sim where overseas calls would be free when using Volte?

What you're talking about is VoWIFI, not VoLTE. Essentially, as explained by bdw, it uses the wifi connection as the backbone for making and receiving calls. Without any geoblocking, you can use this on the go as a roaming number that acts as local from its country of origin. Don't think I've seen any such cases with local service providers, though some of the main carriers do offer VoWIFI now.

[shri]

What you're talking about is VoWIFI, not VoLTE. Essentially, as explained by bdw, it uses the wifi connection as the backbone for making and receiving calls. Without any geoblocking, you can use this on the go as a roaming number that acts as local from its country of origin. Don't think I've seen any such cases with local service providers, though some of the main carriers do offer VoWIFI now.

Thanks for the pointer to the term VoWiFi ….

Found this … because it seems my handset does not support it. Have to research this a bit more.

https://eshop.hk.chinamobile.com/en/...S/VoWi-Fi.html

[Albha]

Thanks for great replies, need study this VoWifi.

Hkbn charge Volte same as lDD001+ around HK$7-15.00. Skype seems pretty good as can set your own mobile number showed when calling and charges around HK$0.2-2.0 per minute overseas.

[bdw]

Thanks for the pointer to the term VoWiFi ….

Found this … because it seems my handset does not support it. Have to research this a bit more.

https://eshop.hk.chinamobile.com/en/...S/VoWi-Fi.html

VoWiFi is great if you happen to be in an area with poor mobile coverage, but you have wifi, then your phone just kind of seamlessly switches over to the wifi network for calls.

But what is really powerful, if your carrier doesnt geoblock, you can travel the world and still make and receive calls as if you are still in HK anytime you are connected to a wifi network, and no need any roaming package. This is what I recently discovered with my Australian carrier.

Another new thing is "SMS over WiFi" which my carrier says they are rolling out in 2023. I assume it means I will be able to send/receive SMS anywhere in the world as long as connected to a wifi. Will be handy and I think the final piece of the puzzle to avoid roaming charges altogether.

[jimbo_jones]

I think the key point the OP is asking is about whilst overseas. ie When outside of HK, can you make regular calls and what are the charges, and are their roaming costs?

For example, I have an Australian carrier that has just enabled wifi calling and they dont do any geoblocking. I dont pay for any roaming whatsoever, but when I am in HK, if I am connected to a wifi network, the little phone symbol up the top that is normally 4G or LTE changes to a little wifi symbol and then suddenly and magically I can make and receive calls as if I am in Austalia, all for zero cost, no roaming. When I am not connected to a wifi network, nobody in Aus can reach me and I cant make outgoing calls.

[..]

I'm assuming that this is Telstra. My wife's company is using this and it's pretty neat to be able to use your mobile number for calls overseas, provided you are connected to WIFI. Can't easily get a dual SIM iphone to use local data sim for phone calls. Maybe there is an option buried or tricks. I think I have to give her a pocket-WIFI to always be able make calls whilst overseas.

[bdw]

I'm assuming that this is Telstra. My wife's company is using this and it's pretty neat to be able to use your mobile number for calls overseas, provided you are connected to WIFI. Can't easily get a dual SIM iphone to use local data sim for phone calls. Maybe there is an option buried or tricks. I think I have to give her a pocket-WIFI to always be able make calls whilst overseas.

Yes I'm on Telstra network, more specifically Woolworths mobile which is a MVNO that uses Telstra network. I think Telstra have had these functions for a while but just recently they are starting to roll out to the MVNO's. Its great because I'm on a very cheap plan that also gives me 10% off groceries at woolworths once a month which saves me more than the plan costs

The other two networks in Aus (Optus and Vodafone) geoblock so VoWiFi only works when you are in Australia. But Telstra dont geoblock and they promote the use of VoWiFi whilse overseas (at least Woolworths do in their FAQ).

For dual sim phones, I was reading on the whirlpool forums how you can get VoWifi working using data on one of the sim cards. I havent tried this myself yet but you might want to dig deep into whirlpool and someone there might have done it.

https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/wifi_calling