Giga MVNO users were thrilled to hear that their plans have been upgraded to 5G SA. This move promises faster speeds and better connectivity, marking a significant leap forward. However, there’s a catch – the upgraded 5G SA network only works on devices certified on Giga’s website. This means that popular smartphones like the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 series are unable to use the 5G SA network due to their firmware not being provisioned for it.
Although Giga is a sub-brand of Starhub, it operates with a completely separate APN. This separation brings its own set of challenges. For instance, users of Pixel 3 series smartphones have reported similar issues with their Giga SIMs. While Starhub SIMs work with VoLTE on Pixel 3 devices, Giga SIMs do not. This issue isn’t exclusive to Giga; inserting an M1 or MVNO SIM, or a SIMBA SIM into a Pixel 3 results in the same problem.
Smartphone functionality heavily depends on both the manufacturer and the operator. Even if the operator supports a feature, it won’t be available if the manufacturer disables it in the firmware. This interplay can leave users without the full set of features they expect from their devices.
Interestingly, many models from Xiaomi, Oppo, and Samsung released over the past two years seem to be more cooperative in supporting different MNOs’ implementations of VoLTE, 5G, and VoNR. This flexibility makes them a safer choice for users concerned about compatibility issues.
When choosing a phone, it’s crucial to research whether the manufacturer supports the specific functions offered by your telecom provider. Unfortunately, there is currently no authority overseeing these compatibility issues, leaving users to navigate these challenges on their own.
In conclusion, while the upgrade to 5G SA for Giga users is a significant and exciting development, it highlights the ongoing complexities and frustrations in the telecom industry regarding device compatibility. Users must remain vigilant and informed to ensure their devices can fully utilize the services provided by their network operators.