Calls and messages in France

[Toots1]

I am in France and not able to call anybody or send messages I do have internet access though? When I changed to o2 pay as you go I kept my old phone number but my phone is still showing the original number and it won’t let me change it. It was working fine in the uk. I have tried several things in settings but no change. Can anybody help?

[MI5]

@Toots1 

Try resetting your network settings first.

[pgn]

As more countries remove their 3G infrastructure to make way for new 5G equipment, many find they need to have "4G Calling" enabled on their handsets to continue to make voice calls natively, ie without resorting to apps like WhatsApp for calls.  O2 does not offer either 5G or "4G Calling" on PAYG phones, @Toots1 

As far as your number reverting to original, if you have an iPhone you may find that this helps: Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage. Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime. Restart your iPhone. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.

Good luck, @Toots1 

[MI5]

France is keeping 3g until 2028

[Enlli]

France is shutting down 2G first

[pgn]

Which would mean switching down to 2G for voice is also no use.

Plus those timelines are estimates, things move very fast once cellular 2 and 3G infrastructure starts being ripped out.

[MI5]

Current status as of last week is that OrangeF an SFr still have an active and functioning 2g and 3g network.