In the wake of its December 3G shutdown, the operator is dangling the carrot in front of users who haven’t abandoned their old handsets
Orange Poland has begun sending selected users a preferential offer to purchase a VoLTE phone at a discount if they trade in their old, used devices. In December, the operator completed the shutdown of its 3G network and needs old handset users to upgrade to newer models that support VoLTE.
No doubt the operator, and the country, is looking to avoid Sweden’s emergency call experience – and more to the point, Australia’s experience – where the regulator the Swedish regulator has been warning that some 4G phones will no longer be able to reach 112 once the old networks disappear. Sweden is not alone in this as many operators relied on older 2G and 3G networks to carry voice calls using circuit-switched fallback when rolling out 4G.Â
VoLTE compatibility is affected by handset software, firmware, chipset support and operator-specific configuration, with no universal standard guaranteeing emergency-call functionality. This fragmented landscape means consumers often have no clear indication of whether their device will work when they most need it.
Orange Poland isn’t hanging around to wait for complaints to emerge. It is telling users they can exchange SIM cards free of charge at any Orange shop and has published list of phones with official support for VoLTE calls on its website. The operator points the finger at senior users and asks the younger generations to help them choose new devices.
Customers who use contract services and are using 2G/3G phones will receive an offer from the operator to buy back their currently used phone, with the possibility of obtaining up to PLN 500 discount on the purchase of a new one with VoLTE functionality. The condition is trading in the old phone (the currently used one indicated in the letter) and purchasing a new one in a shop on the same day.
The discounted offer is valid until 13 February 2026. In the case of purchasing a phone whose price is higher than PLN 500, the remaining amount can be spread over 0% instalments. If someone is interested in a traditional phone with buttons, Orange said they can choose one of the following models: myPhone Bueno LTE Praline Collection – PLN 299 / instalment PLN 14.95 x 20 months; Maxcom MM835 SE – PLN 299 / instalment PLN 14.95 x 20 months; and Maxcom Comfort MM724 – PLN 339 / instalment PLN 16.95 x 20 months.
The operator also emphasised it has inexpensive smartphones supporting 5G, from “a few hundred zlotys”.
