For many years, some giants such as Google, Microsoft or Facebook have already offered native content on IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6), the protocol that replaces IPv4. However, it is now that the Spanish operators have put the batteries to deploy it.
The first to do so was Movistar, which has been deploying IPv6 in its mobile network since January thanks to Dual stack functionality. O2 has now followed in his footsteps. If you are a customer of one of these two operators, we will explain how to check if you have already activated it.
Are you from Movistar or O2? Take advantage of IPv6
The Dual Stack functionality allows Movistar provide IPv6 addresses to mobile line users who have configured the APN “telefonica.es” in a device compatible with IPv6/IPv4.
And what are the benefits of Internet Protocol Version 6? Among other things, it facilitates faster access to native content and increases the security through support for end-to-end authentication and encryption. It also improves network management and will allow more IP addresses to be available to connect more devices and services to the Internet.
The IPv6 protocol promises greater security, better quality of service and more efficiency in the use of the network
After testing this feature for a few months, Movistar announced in January that it had started to officially deploy IPv6 in its mobile network. Now it’s O2 who has confirmed that it will also be rolled out gradually.
If you are a Movistar and O2 customer, you do not have to contract it or request its activation, your operator will activate it automatically as you go along. And the good news is that all Android devices supports this new protocol.
How to check if you have enabled IPv6
To check if you have already activated it on your mobileJust follow these steps, although they may vary slightly depending on your phone’s customization layer:
- Enter the ‘Settings’ from your mobile.
- Click on the heading “Networks and the Internet” and inside ‘Mobile network’
- Check that it appears APN Movistar ‘telefónica.es’. Otherwise, tap on APN and add it.
All Android terminals sold by Movistar since the second quarter of 2021 have the telefonica.es APN preconfigured as Dual Stack. If this is not your case, you will have to configure it yourself. For that, proceed as following :
- Touch the APN to be able Edit access point.
- Credit ‘APN protocol’ and change to ‘IPv4/IPv6’.
As we mentioned at the beginning, the rollout will be gradual, so it’s possible that you still haven’t activated it. In any case, you can always check it, with a test like https://ipv6-test.com/ or https://ipv6test.google.com/. Or through the a page showing the IP with which it is accessed, such as www.cualesmiip.com or www.whatismyip.com.
Cover Image | Gerd Altmann