Thanks so much for the update. That is good news! I still won’t buy one without Band 28 support, as that means that 1/3 of the frequencies at my nearest cell station to home can’t be utilised (the one critical for in building reception). It might be my loss, though…
Hi Lancerabbit,
If you have time and energy to purchase and test it in your area, and return it to us if this not live up your expectations, we will be more than happy to hear the results. We concluded many tests across the globe before the release but real-world situations are different here and there, and this kind of test are never 100% bullet proof. That is also one of the reasons of our policy of accepting the returns. If you worry that you can miss the time-window for returning you purchase - don’t worry, we can easily extended it for You
This is great news as this is a concern of mine.
I’ve just put in a support ticket to Mudita about B28.
On Kompakt I am unable to call one particular number from Optus network to Telstra a few States away (in Australia).
I’m trying to diagnose if it is the Kompakt lacking B28 or the Optus network (which is again having issues) and it’s taking some time to figure it out.
Oh what a wonderful world it would be if tech was so much more simple!
I’m trying to learn a bit more about the practical impact of what the lack of B28 on a handset is, and failing spectacularly!
Does it mean I won’t be able to phone certain numbers?
Or not make call from inside a building?
Or only make calls if the local cell tower near the number I’m calling has the same frequency band as my local tower?
I tried talking to Optus a few times and they were not so helpful.
Any assistance anyone can give with this would be much appreciated.
I am also really interested in understanding the impact of this band 28 and how the Kompakt performs on the Australian networks. It seems to be a very obscur subject.
I have tested with TPG which is on the Vodafone network and I couldn’t get any reception so assuming Vodafone is a no-go.
I will try with a different SIM on Dodo which is on Optus network tonight…
I think Vodafone is the only network in Australia that doesn’t use Band 28.
The other concern of mine is that Optus explicitly states that a device with Band28 (700Mhz) is required for use on their network: https://www.optus.com.au/support/mobiles-tablets-wearables/important-changes-3g. Who is to say Optus won’t enforce this rule in a few months, and the device will not be able to access the network?
From what I’ve gathered, all three major Australian networks heavily depend on this band, as it provides extensive rural coverage. If the phone doesn’t work once we leave Sydney, Melbourne, or other major cities, that’s a real deal-breaker. I’ve also confirmed that it’s hardware-related and can’t be fixed with a software update. I’m pretty disappointed, but it looks like the Kompakt just won’t work in Australia. Please, don’t take my word for it, happy to be proven wrong.
I’ll need to open a return ticket
@Mudita Team, is there any plan to include Band 28 for the Australian market in the futur? Thank you
@galtions, @lancerabbit I appreciate you giving Kompakt a try and sharing your feedback with us — it’s extremely helpful as we continue working on improvements to the device.
If you’re considering returning the phone under our 14-day satisfaction guarantee but need more time to test it before making a final decision, please just email us at support@mudita.com. We review such requests individually to ensure the extension is justified and reasonable.
Even if we don’t reply immediately, you can assume the return deadline is extended at least until the date of our response.
Thanks for the clarification. I have a support ticket opened a few days ago
I saw this updated page a few days ago and included the info in my Mudita support ticket. If it’s true, it’s very concerning to me that a Teleco may block a device from accessing the network based on lack of B28 on the device.
I checked my Kompakt imei number via the Optus tool and got the following result:
The Kompakt is not part of the “to be blocked” list, so I think we are ok in terms of compliance with the new Australian mandatory rule for 000 calls.
However, and as expected, it is showing as “reduced coverage”. Pretty sure all 3 networks will return a similar result. From what I understand, it is unlikely to be an issue for those living in large cities, but we will need a backup phone when leaving on weekends, etc.
A bit disappointing, especially knowing the Mudita Pure is compatible with B28… Not sure why we took a step back with the Kompakt.
Thanks. That’s great information that Optus won’t block it. I’m sure Mudita will release a version of the Kompakt that supports band 28 (at which point I’ll buy one). Here’s a blog that adds some more band 28 info:
Very interesting read. Would be great to know if Mudita plans to release a version with Band 28. I am loving the phone so far so might end-up keeping it. I will be annoyed with myself if they do release a version fully compatible with the Aus network in 6 months though…
For now at least…
I’ve just received a response from Mudita Support Team that (I hope it’s okay I’m quoting this!)
“Regrettably, LTE band 28 won’t be available on the Kompakt. I’m afraid we also won’t be able to add it later on as this isn’t something we can do simply through software updates. Network band support is determined at the design stage and it’s too late for us to make any changes in that regard.”
I’m unsure whether to keep the Kompakt or not due to this. Kompakt has Australian certification though, surely if it wasn’t okay the governing body in Aus wouldn’t have granted certification. Yet the Optus terminology is strong about having a handset with B28. This is all conflicting information which is creating such confusion!
I don’t wish to end up with yet another phone which cannot make phone calls. Yet there are no alternatives that I’ve come across which will work with my needs and honestly, after just a week and bit with Kompakt in my life I have fallen in love with it and it does seem to work for me.
Aus users, will you keep your Kompakt?
I saw that article but the info is a few years old now, I wonder how much is still relevant?
I’m equally torn. I have enjoyed using my Kompakt here in Australia but have absolutely noticed worse reception, particularly indoors. Has been mostly usable but have gotten no service in some buildings. And I am worried the telco’s here will cut off access in the near future. May ask for an extension to my returns window to try some more rural locations. But this is very conflicting haha. Love the phone with all its quirks so far.
Man that sucks, they had these issues with the Pure, I experienced this with the Pure and I hated it, sorry you are going through this
Hey Aussie in Melbourne CBD here and I have to say I thought it was just a “me” thing. I am sad because I REALLY love the device however have noticed some really dissappointing issues with connectivity such as;
- Intermittent reception in the office in the CBD
- Intermittent reception at home on the outskirts of the CBD
- No reception in a restaurant when sitting at the back
- No reception in the Shopping Mall (of all places)
If I am judging by the reception challenges of the last week I may have to return it by Friday but I don’t know if I will ask for an extension - The reception issue is a real tough one and being told it’s supported in Aus I expected that indicated B28 support. I think with Australian Consumer law we are covered post the 14 days and provides us with the right to ask for a choice of either a repair, replacement or refund if it doesn’t function as advertised or clarified. This includes online purchases regardless of country origin and Mudita seems like a chill company so i’m not too stressed.
But im sitting on my couch and it went from full reception when I began writing this to no reception and then back again so who knows what will happen if I need to text someone and then leave my own apartment to send a text lol. Back down to one bar after writing that line lol.
I’ll keep connected to this thread. I love the device - just the connection is so bad.
A real disservice B28 wasn’t considered because i’m currently with optus and considering moving to a cheaper provider considering their lowest plan is way too expensive.
Hey I’m also in Melbourne! I’m with a smaller company that I believe uses Telstra’s infrastructure, and got very similar problems so Optus or Telstra I think the issue is pretty much the same. One that surprised me was that I got zero reception at all in the state library the other day for example.
I think I need to have a hard think because a phone without reception seems like an issue. It’s a real sad state because I checked multiple posts and parts of the site to confirm support but with that all in mind I love the phone and have migrated my full use across.
I’ll keep going this week but I would say if the problem persists I may have to say goodbye sadly.
I’ve chosen sadly, yet with a light heart, to return Kompakt.
Main reason for this is the lack of Band 28 on the device, I don’t wish to have uncertainty about continued coverage with my chosen device.
I spoke with Optus a few times and have looked on their website, I have received conflicting information from both sources which at best creates confusion.
My current understanding from Optus is (I’m happy to be corrected here!):
a) B28 is required for cellular device to continue to work in future and is essential to ensure indoor and remote service coverage especially regarding emergency calls which is a legal requirement. I.E. it’s a problem.
b) Kompakt is not currently blocked from their network and will function with limited coverage but they claim no responsibility regarding the accuracy of that information. I.E. It’s not a problem.
My sense of it (purely intuition based) is that network providers in Aus will rely more heavily on B28 in future and eliminate some of the lesser bands.
I’m still trying to make up my mind but your decision makes a lot of sense. It’s so unfortunate though. I am yet to make up my mind. I want to keep it but I really do fear it could stop working at some point and will be useless if I travel outside of the city. What device are you switching back to?