Shutdown of 3G impacts my 5G+VoLTE Phone?

[ctlee]

So last Friday, I got two SMSes on two lines saying that my phone is still on the 3G network and will have to be replaced. I checked with the compatibility checker-- yep it's showing as "Not Compatible" and "Device Not Found".

Rogers Support teams says I have to upgrade my phone. The support article says:

We’re here to make sure you’re supported during this transition. To avoid these charges, you must update your device settings or upgrade to a 4G or 5G device. If you need a new device, we have devices available to you at no extra cost2! 

Problem? All the $0 phones are "out of stock". The 3G Migration team claims they do not have additional offers on phones apart from the ones shown on MyRogers.

Plus,

We want to ensure minimal disruption in this transition. In most cases, you won’t need to change your plan. If you do, we'll ensure you pay a similar price you pay today.

Yet, the two impacted lines (one Rogers Infinite Essentials, one Shaw Mobile migration) would jump up in cost by $5 and $35, respectively, per month. The 3G Migration team claims they do not have additional offers on plans apart from the ones shown on MyRogers.

PLUS

my phone is technologically VoLTE compatible as of right now. This is evident by the HD Calling icon and LTE Speeds, and that Telus VoLTE checker is compatible.

PLUS

My disability requires me to carry my phone at all times. The phones I use now support extra-fast charging to help faciliate that. However, none of the devices offered by Rogers right now come anywhere near as close to fitting my needs.

Why is Rogers adding additional e-waste and essentially forcing people to pay more?

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Pages Cited: 

About our upcoming 3G network retirement - Rogers

Rogers 3G/HSPA networks are being retired - Rogers

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) | TELUS Support

[RogersYasmine]

Hello @ctlee ,

We'll need a bit more details from you so we can better assist. 🙂

- What device make/model do you currently have?

- Are you able to purchase a low-cost phone via another avenue to use with your Rogers service? For example, a third party store or second hand?

- Is it not possible for the 3G Migration team to back order a device for you and have it shipped once in-stock? 

We look forward to your reply!

RogersYasmine

[ctlee]

It's a Redmi K60 Ultra, certification model 23078RKD5C, and while it's completely capable (as my screenshot shown) Rogers claims they'll start charging $3 per month.
The phones either are too expensive, doesn't meet my needs or are "incompatible".
The 3G migration team said they couldn't, and they'd have to adjust my Infinite line up by $5 minimum, and they'd have to switch me off my Shaw plan (min $35). This is contrary to the the support page which said it would be similar to what I pay today.

[LordDrakkon]

There are multiple standards for VoLTE. It being an Asian market device, VoLTE is more than likely not compatible with Rogers out of the box. You could use QualComm's PDC Tools to change the carrier profile but that takes a skilled person that knows what they are doing. Even though I have done that on my Xiaomi Mi Mix 3, that worked fine.for years. Rogers just won't allow it anymore. Not even with the Pixel IMS either.

The best value phones that will work on Rogers are from Motorola on my opinion. Very capable mid-range devices. If Rogers can't get you one of those "free" phones or offer you a superb deal on something you actually want. Consider switching carriers for a better deal on a device.

[ctlee]

@LordDrakkon @RogersYasmine

It works, but Rogers is still threatening to charge me for "using" the 3G network.