topic Re: Calls on other devices ending? in Mobile Services

Calls on other devices ending?

Plymouthbloke1 — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 11:21:11 GMT

Hi,

Recieved this earlier via text:

Hi,
We wanted to let you know that, from 09 December, you'll no longer be able to use your EE shared number service on MacBooks and iPads.
Watch functionality, along with the Apple-provided iCloud number-sharing function, won’t be affected.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this update.

I’m assuming this is the “Calls on other devices” feature? That’s really annoying as both an iPad and MacBook user. A really good and unique feature (I don’t think other networks offer this) being binned. Bravo EE, well done 👏 🙄

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

jbarbs — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 10:12:33 GMT

Just had a text this morning from EE saying this takes affect from 9th December 2024:

We wanted to let you know that from 9th dec you will no longer be able to use your EE shared number service on Macbooks and ipads.

Watch functionality along with the apple provided icloud number sharing function wont be affected.

We're sorry for any convenience caused by this update.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

constantind — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 11:50:24 GMT

Hello everyone,

I’ve been having the same issues however about a month ago, I reset network settings on my iPhone and reset my MacBook (started fresh with nothing on it and an older OS macOS Ventura) and the feature decided to work.

However, this morning I received this message from EE:

Hi Constantin,

We wanted to let you know that, from 09 December, you'll no longer be able to use your EE shared number service on MacBooks and iPads.

Watch functionality, along with the Apple-provided iCloud number-sharing function, won’t be affected.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this update.

Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe this is referring to the same feature WiFi calling on iCloud-connected devices. Does this mean that’s the end of WiFi calling on iCloud-connected devices? Maybe a lot of customers have been having issues and complained and EE decided to remove this feature?

Has anyone else received this message?

Many thanks.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

keremakyuz — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 11:53:14 GMT

This is bad. It was the only reason I chose EE. It was the only network provider with this great feature in the UK (and Europe): Wi-Fi Calling on supported iCloud-connected devices https://support.apple.com/en-gb/108048

WiFi Calling for other devices allows other devices signed into your iCloud account to make and receive calls EVEN WHEN YOUR iPhone IS NOT NEARBY.

More info here: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/108066

I might churn.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

jrhop — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:22:12 GMT

@constantind Yes I received the same message out of the blue this morning from EE. This feature has never worked reliably with different iPad's on my account, going back years. I have reset them etc and set them up from scratch etc. Worked intermittently on my Macbook. Assume something EE could never get working properly, so decided to withdraw it.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

jrhop — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:23:34 GMT

Same here @jbarbs, my response to another similar post

Yes I received the same message out of the blue this morning from EE. This feature has never worked reliably with different iPad's on my account, going back years. I have reset them etc and set them up from scratch etc. Worked intermittently on my Macbook. Assume something EE could never get working properly, so decided to withdraw it.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

jrhop — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:24:51 GMT

@Plymouthbloke1 Same message for me. My response to another post:

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

jbarbs — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:36:11 GMT

I had it working on MacBook but for some reason would never work on iPad

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

robwp — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:50:31 GMT

Received this out of the blue today:

Hi Robert,

We wanted to let you know that, from 09 December, you'll no longer be able to use your EE shared number service on MacBooks and iPads.

Watch functionality, along with the Apple-provided iCloud number-sharing function, won’t be affected.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this update.

EE Chat has confirmed this relates to WiFi Calling and texts received on other devices.
Seems to me that’s a serious depletion in service although EE haven’t offered a drop in price!

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

robwp — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:58:27 GMT

Or am I overreacting? Does this mean in practice that I simply need to have my iPhone on to allow iCloud to service WiFi calling and syncing iMessages and texts to other devices?

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

kevdyas85 — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:06:21 GMT

I'm disappointed by this and also slightly confused as in my mind the "watch functionality" is the same as the iCloud number-sharing function as devices need to be signed into the same account etc.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

kalle_96 — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:13:39 GMT

I don't understand what the purpose for removing it is.. It's an extremely helpful tool if i'm working on my computer and I don't have my phone close by.

I'm assuming this will also mean I can't see, delete or reply to any text messages I receive directly on my Mac, without first having to go into my phone. What a shame.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

robwp — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:14:44 GMT

@kevdyas85 and @kalle_96 I’m with you too, I think! It’s a confusing message as 1) it singles out MacBooks (which must be an error!) and 2) doesn’t use the naming that consumers use, ie WiFi Calling and Texts on Other Devices. That’s why I contacted them forn explanation.

They are both useful to me and may mean a move away from EE.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

Chris_B — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:15:45 GMT

@robwp EE wasn’t charging you in the first place for it hence no price reduction.

Not had the text myself yet.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

robwp — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:24:05 GMT

I understand what you’re saying, although it could be argued that EE are charging for it, as there are cheaper service providers out there who are not providing these services.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

robwp — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:25:48 GMT

My wife hasn’t had the text yet either, and I do wonder if perhaps EE will continue to provide it on their more expensive plans?

If so, then an upgrade suggestion in the text might have helped!

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

canal8 — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:26:03 GMT

had same. dont understand what a shared number service is. it makes no sense. If I can't link my MacBook to my phone I'll go elsewhere

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

kevdyas85 — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:29:01 GMT

I wonder if they’ve removed it for Business customers too or just consumers.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

Chris_B — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:29:29 GMT

@robwp Okay, Does it state anything within your contract about the service.

Re: Calls on other devices ending?

robwp — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:35:47 GMT

I’m not really interested in getting into this. I simply stated that in my opinion this is a fairly big drop in service (similar, in my view, to doing something like dropping support for Visual Voicemail out of the blue). The drop in price comment was a throwaway comment. It didn’t really need to be defended!