VoLTE stands for Voice Over LTE, where LTE means Long Term Evolution. As the name suggests, VoLTE is a voice call made over a 4G LTE network. It allows you to place a call via your LTE network rather than the “standard” network.
VoLTE makes your voice calls more clear with high quality. It also allows you to use your Internet data to make calls other than downloading or browsing the web.
Benefits of VoLTE
Most smartphones now support VoLTE, and almost all network operators provide VoLTE support worldwide. If your phone doesn’t support VoLTE, you can either change your smartphone or wait for a software update that might bring this feature.
Furthermore, if your smartphone doesn’t support it, you might notice that you can’t use data and voice simultaneously. Here’s how VoLTE helps.
While making a VoLTE call, you can use your data for calling and browsing at the same time. VoLTE has turned out as one of the finest features to improve voice calls over the world. VoLTE comes with multiple benefits. Here are some of its main advantages.
1. High Definition Call Quality
The most significant advantage of 4G VoLTE is the improved call quality. You can communicate clearly with users on voice calls.
While the call quality of previous network generations such as 2G and 3G was not high-definition, 4G VoLTE delivers three times better call quality than 3G and up to six times that of 2G.
2. Good Battery Life
You may have noticed that without VoLTE, your 4G network switches to 3G whenever you make calls, causing the smartphone to use more battery than usual. With VoLTE, your phone doesn’t switch to 3G even if you are on call, saving battery life.
3. More Coverage and Better Connectivity
You will be surprised to know that VoLTE calls can connect up to twice as fast as 2G or 3G signals. Plus, 4G is widely available all over the world now.
4G operates on an 800 MHz spectrum, which has a greater reach than the 2G or 3G spectrum. This spectrum can even penetrate massive objects, which previous generations struggled to do.
So, even if you are in the basement or on the top floor, you will have a network connection. Therefore, even though VoLTE depends on this spectrum to provide better coverage and better connectivity, the available network is wider and more consistent.
4. Multitasking
Without VoLTE, your 4G network becomes 3G on calls that restrict you from using fast internet during calls. With 4G VoLTE, this doesn’t happen.
Your 4G network remains the same and allows you to use your data in between calls. You can browse the web, download media, and more during your VoLTE calls.
5. Video Calls over VoLTE
You can even make video calls over VoLTE with very little consumption of data. Usually, you have to download third-party apps like Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, etc., for video calls.
But with 4G VoLTE, you don’t need to install any other application. 4G VoLTE compatible phones get support for video calls inbuilt in their calling system. Furthermore, 4G VoLTE saves battery on video calls.
How To Turn Off VoLTE?
Enabling and disabling VoLTE on your smartphone is a simple process and does not require anything more than your smartphone. The only requirement is that your phone should support 4G VoLTE.
Telecom and smartphone companies sometimes refer to VoLTE calls as HD calls. So, if your phone has an HD call option, you should keep that in mind. Here’s how to turn off VoLTE on a smartphone.
Switching Off VoLTE on Android
To turn off VoLTE, your phone should have enabled VoLTE. You can check it by searching for the VoLTE icon on the top notification bar along with the call networks.
Now, go to Settings and search for Connection > Mobile Networks (This may vary depending on your smartphone). Tap on your Primary SIM.
Find the VoLTE toggle button and turn it off. It’s disabled now. To enable it again, you can follow the steps in reverse.
Switching Off VoLTE on iOS
iPhone users can find the option in the Cellular Data options.
Head to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and tap Enable LTE. Alternatively, head to Settings > Mobile Data and tap Enable LTE.
iOS users have three different options to choose from:
- Off: Turns off LTE
- Voice & Data: Allows voice calls and cellular-data use over LTE
- Data Only: Allows cellular-data use, but not voice calls over LTE
Switch between the VoLTE to suit your requirements.
Limitations of VoLTE Services
1. HD Calls Limitations
While VoLTE calls provide higher definition calls, this feature is limited to calls only made between two VoLTE enabled handsets. If one handset is VoLTE enabled and the other is not, then the call will be of standard quality and not HD.
2. Requires Internet
VoLTE calls need either a data connection or a 4G signal to work. If not, you will not be able to make HD calls or use the internet.
3. Handset Support Needed
To enable VoLTE services, your device must be compatible. Many users do not have VoLTE services enabled on their smartphone.
While some smartphones receive the service with an update, many old models are incompatible with VoLTE.
Should You Upgrade Your Phone to Make VoLTE Calls?
Despite living in a world full of technology, some smartphones do not support VoLTE enabled calls. Multiple smartphones and telecom companies provide VoLTE features through software updates.
Several carriers have already stopped 3G services, which doesn’t leave any other choice for users. So, if you are looking for better connectivity and call performance, then upgrading to a VoLTE enabled smartphone is a good move.
Is VoLTE Worth It?
Global VoLTE uptake continues to increase. However, you should consider the charges associated with using data connections to make calls. These calls eat into your allowances, using them faster than you might expect.
Moreover, many network providers are shifting to Wi-Fi Calling, which works on Wi-Fi rather than data networks. At a time when mass 5G uptake is around the corner, you may see new technologies replacing VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling services.
Image Credit: Silvie Lindemann/Pexels
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