Voice Roaming Changes

HOW THE 3G NETWORK SHUTDOWN AFFECTS YOUR ROAMING IN THE USA 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Some of the leading mobile carriers in the USA have shut down their 3G networks and completed their migration to 4G and 5G technologies. These network changes will affect the sound quality of the calls you make while roaming in the USA.

 

We know that our customers will have questions and concerns about these changes. Digicel is committed to keeping you informed, so that you are able to manage the transition and have the smoothest possible roaming experience while visiting the USA.

 

1.    How do these changes affect me?

 

Customers roaming in the USA will experience reduced sound call quality while on the T-Mobile or ATT network.

 

We continue to work closely with these roaming partners to decrease your chances of experiencing reduced call quality, especially for 4G or 5G-enabled devices.

 

Digicel is committed to keeping customers informed about these developments.

 

2.    Can I roam on a network other than T-Mobile with my 3G device?

 

No. You can continue to use your 3G device while roaming in the USA, however, we strongly recommend that you begin to plan upgrading to a 4G/5G smartphone.

 

3.    Will my 3G phone still work?

 

Your 3G phone will continue to work on the Digicel network and roam on the T-Mobile network in the USA. Several other carriers across the world continue to accommodate 3G devices roaming on their networks. For now, this transition by the US carriers only affects your device’s ability to voice roam. Data roaming is unaffected.

 

While we engage US carriers on testing alternative solutions that will allow for improved voice roaming, we recommend upgrading to a 4G/5G-enabled device.

 

4.    I have a 4G LTE or 5G phone; will I be able to access all roaming services?

 

Yes. You are able to access 4G or 5G mobile data on our USA roaming partners’ networks, despite the reduced sound quality on voice calls, for now.

 

5.    How do I know if my device is 4G LTE or 5G compatible?

 

Apple/iOS users: go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and tap Voice & Data. Here, you can switch your iPhone to 4G or 5G if your phone supports it.

 

Android users: tap Settings >> Network & Internet >> Mobile Network >> Preferred Network type. You should see all the Mobile Network technologies supported (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G).

 

6.    What will happen when I switch on my phone upon arrival in the USA?

 

Your device will automatically find our roaming partner’s signal so that your device connects automatically.

 

If this does not happen within a few minutes of switching on, you may need to do a manual network search.

 

Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > Disable “Select Automatically” > Select a Network > Check for connection and carrier name “T-Mobile”.

 

iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Network Selection > Disable “Automatic” > Select a network > Check for connection and carrier name, “T-Mobile”.

 

*Steps may vary according to your device make and model.

 

7.    What steps can I take to stay connected when traveling to the USA?

 

1. Consider upgrading from to a 4G/5G-compatible device that supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE)

 

2. Upgrade to an LTE SIM before you depart.

 

3. Select the best roaming package that suits your needs before you fly.