VoLTE: Revolutionising voice calls in the mobile world

In the ever-evolving world of telecommunications, new technologies are continuously emerging to enhance the way we communicate. One such innovation that has been making waves in recent years is VoLTE. Short for Voice over LTE (Long-Term Evolution), this technology is shaking things up by promising crystal-clear calls, faster connections and a whole new level of efficiency. Whether you're chatting with a friend across town or catching up with a colleague halfway around the globe, it has the potential to make every conversation sound like you're in the same room.

Let's explore how VoLTE is revolutionizing voice calls and why you might never want to go back.

What is VoLTE?

Traditional mobile voice calls have historically relied on 2G and 3G networks but even though 4G LTE has become the standard for mobile data, your phone typically switches from a 4G network back to 2G or 3G when making a call. This process, known as circuit-switched fallback, often results in slower call setup times and lower voice quality.

With VoLTE, there's no need for your phone to switch networks. Instead, your voice calls are transmitted as data packets over the 4G LTE network, just like your messages, videos and internet data.

How does VoLTE work?

To understand how VoLTE works, it's helpful to know a bit about the underlying technology. For starters, LTE is a high-speed wireless communication standard designed to provide faster and more efficient data transmission. It was primarily developed to improve mobile data services, allowing users to browse the web, stream videos and download content at lightning-fast speeds.

Meanwhile, the process of making a VoLTE call is quite different from making a traditional one. With the latter, your phone connects to a nearby cell tower and then establishes a circuit-switched connection with the recipient's phone, which means that a dedicated channel is reserved between the two phones for the entire duration of the call. On the other hand, with VoLTE, your phone sends a packet of data to the network, which then routes it to the recipient's phone - a process known as packet switching - which makes better use of network resources.

What are the key components of VoLTE?

From IP multimedia subsystem to packet-switched networks, it may all sound a little like a foreign language, so let's break these terms down.

• IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS): IMS is the architectural framework that allows for the delivery of voice and other multimedia services over IP networks. In other words, it manages the signaling and connectivity needed for VoLTE calls.
• Packet-Switched Networks: as mentioned earlier, unlike traditional voice calls that use circuit-switched networks, VoLTE operates on a packet-switched network, whereby voice data is broken into small packets and transmitted over the LTE network.
• Quality of Service (QoS): VoLTE ensures that voice data is given priority over other types of data on the network to maintain call quality. This is achieved through QoS protocols that prioritize voice packets to prevent delays or interruptions.

What are the benefits of VoLTE?

Improved call quality

One of the most significant advantages is the superior call quality it offers. VoLTE supports high-definition (HD) voice, which provides clearer and more natural sound compared to traditional calls. This is because it has a wider frequency range, allowing it to capture more details of the human voice.

Faster call setup

With traditional networks, there can be a noticeable delay between when you press "call" and when the phone starts ringing on the other end. VoLTE minimizes this delay, making calls connect almost instantly.

Better coverage and signal strength

VoLTE can also improve coverage in areas where LTE signals are available but 2G or 3G signals might be weak. Since VoLTE uses the LTE network, you can enjoy better call reliability and fewer dropped calls, especially in rural or remote areas where LTE coverage is more robust.

Simultaneous voice and data

Traditional voice calls on 2G or 3G networks require the network to switch from data to voice mode, which means your data connection is paused during the call. VoLTE allows for simultaneous voice and data use, so you can browse the web, use apps or send messages while on a call without any interruptions.

What are the challenges of VoLTE?

While VoLTE offers many advantages, it's not without its drawbacks. Here are some examples:

Device compatibility

Not all smartphones are VoLTE-compatible, particularly older models. To use VoLTE, your device must support both LTE and the specific VoLTE feature, so if you're using an older device, you may need to upgrade to make the most of this technology.

Take a look at the range of devices which are VoLTE compatible.

Interoperability issues

While VoLTE is becoming more widespread, there can still be issues with interoperability between different carriers or devices. For instance, if you're on a VoLTE call with someone on a non-VoLTE network, the call may revert to a lower quality.

The future of VoLTE

More than just a simple upgrade to voice calling, VoLTE is a foundational technology that is helping to shape the future of the telecommunications industry. As we move toward 5G and beyond, it will play a crucial role in ensuring that voice services remain reliable and high-quality. So what are the future trends and opportunities for VoLTE innovation and evolution?

Integration with 5G

With 5G networks becoming more widespread, VoLTE will gradually evolve into Voice over New Radio (VoNR), which provides voice services over 5G networks. This evolution will enable even lower latency, enhanced call quality and advanced features, making VoNR a significant advancement in voice communication.

Improved IoT integration

VoLTE is also paving the way for better integration with the Internet of Things (IoT). As more devices become connected, it can provide a reliable voice communication platform for things like smart home systems, connected cars and industrial automation.

Enhanced mobile experiences

For consumers, it will continue to improve the mobile experience. With the ability to support richer multimedia services, such as video calls and enhanced messaging, VoLTE is set to transform how we interact with our devices and each other.

How to activate VoLTE on your phone

We're rolling out VoLTE activation gradually. If you're an existing customer you'll receive a notification as soon as your subscription is fully activated. Meanwhile, all new mobile subscribers joining our network will be automatically set up to enjoy VoLTE's benefits right away.

Here's what you need to do to activate VoLTE on your iPhone.

• Head to 'Settings' and click on 'Mobile Service'
• Next, click on 'Mobile Data Options', then on 'Voice & Data'
• Lastly toggle 'VoLTE' on. Once activated, you can start enjoying the benefits of VoLTE right away.

A game-changer in the world of telecommunications, VoLTE offers a host of benefits that enhance our voice-calling experience. And as this technology continues to evolve, it is set to play a crucial role in how we use our phones. So whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply someone who values clear, reliable calls, VoLTE is a feature worth exploring.

Discover more about VoLTE.

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