As of 1/1/2017 all 2G service from the Sunrise Ranch mobile phone service provider, AT&T will be shut down. What does that mean?
It means that our spotty phone coverage will get even more so. As of now much of the calls made by cell phones on the ranch are supported through either direct WIFI calling (the phone uses the WIFI to make a call) or via a microcell signal booster also known as 'MCells'. The MCell technology also use WIFI calling but can only support a certain number of phones which have been programmed into it. Most of the calls that are not done via MCells or WIFI are done via the 2G service that igoes away 1/1/2017.
That means that all phone holders with AT&T need to make WIFI enabled calls whenever possible. The WIFI system on main campus supports free movement within it's bubbles, however outside of the bubbles and in residences all phone holders need to program their phones to be WIFI enabled. it is quite easy the steps are below
Also keep in mind that WIFI calling does not use any of the Sunrise Ranch mobile phone message minutes!
This applies to all Sunrise Ranch mobile phone owners but also to visting guests
For those of you with an iPhone 6 or higher this is the process:
1. Turn off cellular services --> go to SETTINGS --> CELLULAR --> turn off
2. Under SETTINGS go to PHONE --> select WI-FI CALLING --> turn on (do not check the "prefer wi-fi while roaming" button)
You will have to enter an emergency address and information
to use this setting, as cellular services will be turned off.
Even other phone carriers (Verizon, TMobile, Sprint) can use this WIFI calling method on iPhones
For Android Phone users:
- Be sure that you are connected to a WIFI network by going to SETTINGs -> WIFI and picking a WIFI network in range
- Go to SETTINGS - > WI-Fi Calling and turn wifi service 'On'
- You may have to confirm the address for 911 calls