What is VoLTE? The New Telephony Technology Explained Simply
Making phone calls over mobile networks has evolved significantly in recent years. One of the newest and most innovative technologies is VoLTE (Voice over LTE). But what exactly does this mean for you? How does it work, what advantages does it offer, and how can you enable it on your smartphone? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know.
The Meaning of VoLTE in Modern Telecommunications
VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE (short for Voice over Long-Term Evolution) and enables phone calls over the 4G/LTE network. Unlike traditional calls over 2G or 3G networks, VoLTE ensures much faster call setup and improved voice quality. Many mobile carriers are increasingly adopting this technology because it allows for more efficient phone calls and a more stable data connection. Calling via LTE is both convenient and efficient.
Technical Basics of VoLTE: How Does the Technology Work?
VoLTE uses the IP-based LTE network for calling instead of relying on separate voice and data networks. This enables high-quality voice calls while simultaneously allowing you to browse the internet at high speed. Unlike WiFi calling, VoLTE does not require a WiFi connection. However, WiFi calling remains a good option if your mobile network signal is weak or if you want to save your data volume.
| Technology | Network Type | Voice Quality | Data Usage During Calls |
|---|---|---|---|
| VoLTE | LTE/4G | Very High | Yes |
| 3G Network | 3G | Medium | No |
| 2G Network | 2G | Low | No |
What Are VoLTE Calls and Why Are They the Future of Telephony?
VoLTE offers significantly better call quality and faster call setup times. Additionally, 3G networks are gradually being phased out, which is why many carriers encourage customers to switch to VoLTE.
There’s also an environmental benefit: VoLTE can help reduce your smartphone’s power consumption. This is because your device no longer has to switch between different network types when making calls.
The Biggest Advantages of VoLTE Calls
- Higher call quality thanks to HD Voice technology
- Faster call setup compared to 3G or 2G
- Simultaneous internet browsing and calling without interruptions
- More efficient use of the LTE network, helping to preserve data volume
- Lower power consumption for longer phone calls
VoLTE Compared to Traditional Call Technologies
The table below shows how VoLTE performs in terms of call setup time, call quality, internet browsing, and energy consumption compared to 2G and 3G networks.
| Feature | VoLTE | 3G Telephony | 2G Telephony |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Quality | Very High | Medium | Low |
| Call Setup Speed | Very Fast | Slow | Very Slow |
| Simultaneous Internet Browsing | Yes | No | No |
| Energy Consumption | Low | High | High |
Requirements for Using VoLTE on Your Smartphone
To use VoLTE on your smartphone, the following conditions must be met:
✔ Your smartphone must support VoLTE.
✔ Your mobile carrier must offer VoLTE.
✔ Your mobile plan must include VoLTE – at alao, you can search for a compatible mobile plan.
✔ The VoLTE option must be enabled in your device settings.
Activating VoLTE on Different Smartphone Models
The activation process varies by device. Here’s a quick overview:
| Smartphone | VoLTE Activation |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Settings > Mobile Data > Enable LTE > Turn on VoLTE |
| Samsung | Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Enable VoLTE Calls |
| Huawei | Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Network > Enable VoLTE |
If your device does not support VoLTE, contact your mobile provider. You may also need to consider buying a new smartphone if yours is outdated and does not support this technology.
VoLTE and 5G: How These Technologies Work Together
VoLTE is currently the best option for voice calls, but with the expansion of 5G networks, this may change in the future. VoLTE is compatible with 5G, but Voice over 5G (Vo5G) will eventually replace it and phase out 4G and LTE. However, for now, both technologies are widely used.
| Technology | Network Type | Future-Proofing |
|---|---|---|
| VoLTE | 4G/LTE | High |
| Vo5G | 5G Network | Very High |
Future Developments: What’s Next for VoLTE?
As the 5G standard continues to expand, VoLTE will remain an important technology. Over the next few years, we may see even better voice codecs and lower latency, making LTE-based calling even more seamless. You could compare LTE calling to fiber-optic internet—modern technology for fast communication.
Conclusion
VoLTE is currently a cutting-edge telephony technology that offers clear advantages over older network technologies. If your mobile plan and smartphone support VoLTE, you should definitely enable it to benefit from better call quality and faster call setup times.
Frequently Asked Questions
VoLTE calls use the 4G network, while traditional calls rely on 2G or 3G networks.
It enables HD calls, faster connection times, and simultaneous internet browsing.
VoLTE allows voice calls over the LTE network, enabling faster connections and improved call quality.
You can enable VoLTE in your mobile network settings (the steps vary by device).
This depends on your mobile carrier. Many now offer VoLTE for international roaming.
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) uses the LTE network, while 3G and 2G are outdated with lower quality.
VoLTE offers better voice quality, lower power consumption, and faster connections.
VoLTE is based on IP technology (VoIP – Voice over IP), while older networks use separate voice and data signals.
Yes, VoLTE calls work with 5G, but eventually, Voice over 5G (Vo5G) will replace it.
Yes, but disabling it can reduce voice quality and slow down call setup times.
Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a mobile communication standard, and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is the term for making voice calls over LTE.
VoLTE uses the LTE (4G) network for calls, while VoWiFi relies on a WiFi connection.
Yes, VoLTE has up to three times the voice and data capacity of 3G and six times that of 2G.
Voice over IP (VoIP) refers to transmitting voice communication over the internet or IP-based networks.
Anyone looking for fast, reliable, and high-quality voice and data communication.
Yes, VoLTE depends on a mobile data connection.
