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You may not know it, but while your mobile phone is 4G-enabled, it actually switches to 3G when you’re making or receiving a call. That’s because 4G cannot handle voice traffic. But before you think we might be stuck with the same wireless technology for the next few years, enter VoLTE.
What exactly is VoLTE, and how do you make VoLTE calls? Does VoLTE need to be activated on your mobile phone? What are its benefits? In this article, we’ll discuss all these and make sure you fully understand how to get VoLTE in Australia.
In this article:
What is VoLTE?
VoLTE stands for Voice over Long-Term Evolution (sometimes called Voice over LTE). It’s a mobile communication technology that, as mentioned earlier, uses the 4G network to place voice calls and send text messages. This means faster and better connectivity whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device.
One thing of note is that 4G only provides broadband data connection and doesn’t inherently support voice traffic, so without VoLTE, mobile data goes through 4G networks. When you make a call, your phone’s connection will switch back to 3G, transferring the signal through the traditional GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) in a system called circuit switch fallback. However, this method sparked compatibility issues among phones. That changed with VoLTE.
Is VoLTE similar to VoIP?
If you’re familiar with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), VoLTE uses pretty much the same technology but over a mobile network. Whereas VoIP uses 3G and Wi-Fi to transmit voice data, VoLTE uses a 4G LTE network.
How does VoLTE work?
Because 4G can’t handle voice traffic, you need a separate network to facilitate the transfer of voice signals. That network is called an IP multimedia subsystem (IPMS). It allows your mobile service to transmit voice signals in the form of data flows. As a result, voice is transferred like how data is transmitted over the internet: using packet-switching technology.
In simple terms, here’s how a VoLTE call works:
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- When you make a call, your voice data is compressed into small data packets that travel through an IP-based network.
- Upon reaching their destination, the data packets revert back to voice signals for the recipient to understand.
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How can you enable VoLTE on your phone?
To enable VoLTE calling, you need a compatible device, and many 4G-compatible mobile phones today support VoLTE (like the newer Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices).
If you’re not sure whether your phone is VoLTE compatible, you can typically go to your phone’s device network settings and check if it’s listed as a feature. You’ll also need to check with your mobile carrier if your phone is on their list of compatible devices.
Here’s how to activate VoLTE depending on your device:
Apple iPhone
Check if your phone is using the latest iOS version
Go to Settings icon > Tap General > Tap Software Update and follow the prompts
Once you have the service provider settings updated, follow these steps:
Go to Settings icon > Tap Mobile > Tap Mobile Data > Tap Enable 4G > Select Voice & Data
Samsung Galaxy
Refer to your user manual to ensure your phone uses the latest operating system. If it is, then it’s time to enable VoLTE:
Go to Apps icon > Tap Settings icon > Tap Mobile Networks > Select VoLTE
Google Pixel
Refer to your user manual to make sure your phone is using the latest operating system. If it’s, then it’s time to enable VoLTE:
Go to Apps icon > Tap Settings icon > Tap Network & Internet > Tap Mobile Network > VoLTE
Other Android devices
The exact steps to enable voice calls via VoLTE may vary slightly, depending on the brand and model. But it’s all pretty straightforward for other Android devices:
Go to Apps > Settings > Mobile Networks > VoLTE
How do you make a VoLTE call?
With VoLTE enabled on your phone, you can make calls as normal and will be charged exactly the same way as regular 3G voice calls. It’s carried over an IP network provided by 4G, so it offers a lot of flexibility for mobile carriers to enhance user experience.
Can you make emergency calls with VoLTE?
If your phone is compatible with VoLTE, then you can make an emergency call over 4G. Otherwise, the call will automatically be switched to a cellular network.
What are the benefits of VoLTE?
With enhanced voice transmission comes a ton of benefits, making VoLTE technology the current standard for high-speed, wireless communication. VoLTE users can look forward to:
1. Superior call quality
There hasn’t been much change in terms of call quality from 2G to 3G. Then 4G came along and made way for HD voice calls. Phone calls on 4G networks yield more data bandwidth, resulting in audio quality that’s noticeably clearer and with much-reduced background noise. The quality is so good it almost feels like you’re talking to someone in the same room. HD calling is possible as long as the caller and recipient both have VoLTE access.
2. Faster call connection times
VoLTE calls have a shorter setup time, which is the time it takes to establish a call (from when someone initiates a call to when it reaches the recipient). This allows people to connect with each other more quickly. VoLTE enables voice calls to be connected within 3 to 4 seconds—that’s fast!
3. Additional features
Because VoLTE is based on the IP multimedia system, you’ll have access to other features, such as video calling, instant messaging and file sharing—all without downloading an app. What’s more, the quality may even be better than similar solutions from regular over-the-top apps.
4. Extended battery life
The fact that you don’t have to roll back to 2G or 3G networks when making calls means longer battery life. You won’t need to recharge as often as you would if you’re using a non-VoLTE device.
5. Simultaneous use of voice calling and data
Some smartphones don’t allow you to use 4G while on call and will drop you back down to 3G instead. With a VoLTE-enabled device, you can look up a good coffee shop while talking to your friend.
With VoLTE now available with MATE, you can take your mobile connection to new heights. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our VoLTE service.
