We are upgrading our wireless network
As part of a national effort to modernize America’s wireless grid, Union is upgrading our network. The process involves the installation of a new network to support HD Voice technology and pave the way for the eventual implementation of 5G. At the same time, 3G networks across the country are actively being torn down.
To help you understand how these changes potentially affect you, and what steps you may need to take, we’ve prepared this guide to help navigate the transition.
What is VoLTE?
VoLTE, or Voice over Long-Term Evolution, is better understood as High-Definition Voice or HD Voice, and these terms will be used interchangeably throughout this guide to describe the same technology.
HD Voice technology is intended to replace current 3G networks that transmit cellular calls to a separate channel, resulting in slower internet connection speeds when making a phone call.
By way of example, imagine you are traveling long distance on a highway and you notice an exit. The exit might be important, maybe for gas or a much-needed pit stop, but you know that continuing on the highway will get you to your destination faster. In this example, the highway is your internet connection and taking the exit the phone call that delays your journey. With HD Voice technology, the exit does not exist and the journey never leaves the highway.
Analogies aside, VoLTE carries cellular calls to an LTE network instead of a legacy voice network, transmitting data over the Internet. This results in much clearer calls and minimizes commonly associated legacy network issues, like dropped calls. Essentially, VoLTE is often described as a hassle-free audio call experience like never before.
How the new network improves your mobile experience
With the upgraded network comes a list of benefits to you, our customer. The new network takes advantage of 4G LTE technology while also creating the foundation for the implementation of the highly anticipated 5G service. Here are some of the benefits you can expect to see:
- More reliable and consistent connection
- Faster internet speeds
- Clearer calls and less call-related issues like dropped calls
- The use of both audio and video calls
- Simultaneous use of voice and data during calls
- 6-way conference calls
How this network upgrade impacts you
Certain devices and SIM cards do not support HD Voice technology (also known as VoLTE) and will require upgrades. Without these upgrades, and without 3G to fall back on once those networks are removed, these devices will not be able to make or receive calls – including emergency service calls – on the new network.
The good news is that Union has identified customers who will be impacted, and a comprehensive upgrade plan is in place. Account holders will be notified before the new changes take effect to help ensure no disruption in service.
Affected customers may need to do one of the following
- Upgrade SIM Card
- Upgrade Device
- Upgrade SIM Card and Device
How to prepare for the new network
The first step in this process is to determine what upgrades may be required. Visiting MyUnion.com>Account Overview will provide you with a visual representation of any device and/or SIM you may need to upgrade.
Once you know what needs to be upgraded, you then need to know how to follow through with the upgrade process. Union has provided the resources to answer any questions you may have.
