Why can’t I make calls with the roaming partner AT&T when I’m in the USA?
When using the AT&T network in the USA, this provider will always send you the following automatic message: «Welcome, you are roaming on AT&T. Due to network technology compatibility, traditional voice calls will not work. Please use data, SMS and app-based calling.»
In 2022, AT&T will gradually be deactivating the 3G mobile network throughout the USA in order to focus on the new 4G and 5G technologies. As a result, some incoming and outgoing voice calls and SMS over the AT&T network will temporarily no longer be possible in the USA. You can, however, continue to use data, including to send SMS in the form of iMessages and to make app-based calls as long as you remain connected to the AT&T network.
Nonetheless, we do still recommend that you use an alternative network when in the USA – you can select one manually.
iOS devices/iPhones: Settings -> Mobile data -> Network selection -> Disable automatically and select alternative network
Android devices: Settings -> Connections -> Mobile networks -> Carriers -> Disable -> Deactivate «Select automatically» and select alternative network
Please don’t forget to reset the network selection to automatic as soon as you leave the USA again.
We will be activating VoLTE roaming in the course of 2022, so that customers in the USA can make voice calls and send SMS on the AT&T network again.
