What is VoLTE? Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever experienced poor call quality, dropped calls, or slow internet while talking on the phone? 🤔 If so, you might be using an outdated network and in need of some tech that can handle your voice and data needs. 

Well, VoLTE comes into the picture for that.

In this blog,  you’ll learn everything you need to know about VoLTE, its working mechanism, its benefits, and how to enable it to enjoy crystal-clear voice calls and faster communication & more.

So, let’s get started. 🚀

What is VoLTE?

VoLTE stands for Voice Over Long-Term Evolution, is a specific technology that allows placing phone calls or voice communication over an LTE network rather than older broadband communication. 

Having said that, what is LTE? LTE (Long-Term Evolution ) is a standard for wireless transmission representing the latest generation of mobile network technology commonly associated with 4G networks.

VoLTE is like an upgrade for phone calls on 4G LTE networks, which provides better call quality, faster call setup times, and the ability to talk on the phone and use the internet without any interruptions, which is not possible with traditional techs like 2G or 3G networks. 

What are the Benefits of VoLTE?

Voice over LTE has several benefits over traditional telecommunication technologies. Among these benefits are:

• High-quality calls: VoLTE provides clearer and more natural-sounding voice calls compared to traditional methods, enhancing the overall audio experience for users.

• Quicker call setup: Voice-over LTE enables quicker call connections, reducing the time it takes for a call to be established and allowing users to start conversations almost instantly.

• Simultaneous Voice and Data: With VoLTE, users can browse the internet, use apps, or perform other data activities while on a call without affecting call quality, offering a more seamless and multitasking-friendly communication experience.

• Extended Battery Life: VoLTE is designed to be more power-efficient than traditional circuit-switched voice calls, potentially leading to longer battery life for mobile devices during voice calls.

• Increased network efficiency: VoLTE utilizes efficient data packet transmission, optimizing network resources and contributing to more effective use of bandwidth, which can result in a more reliable and responsive communication network.

How does VoLTE work?

The technology inside VoLTE sounds simple, but in fact, it is a bit complex, converting your voice into data like when you’re using the internet and all other tech-savvy things. The working mechanism of Voice over LTE can be simplified with these four stages. 

1. Initiation of the call: In the call initiation stage, the sender’s phone sends a signal to the network over the LTE data connection, which then locates the receiver’s network and sends a ringing signal to their phone. 

2. Call Setup: Once the receiver answers the call, the network establishes a dedicated voice channel, which is separate from the LTE data connection. So that the voice call won’t interrupt while using data services such as browsing and messaging. 

3. Voice Transmission: In this phase, the voice is converted into digital packets and sent over the dedicated voice channel to the receiver’s side. After reaching the destination, the packets are then converted back into voice. 

4. Call Termination: After one of the sender or receiver terminates hangs up, the network releases the dedicated voice channel, allowing them to use other data services and place other calls. 

How do I turn on VoLTE on Android?

To turn on VoLTE on Android, Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced, and then toggle on the VoLTE option. 

Here’s a stepwise solution. 

Step 1: Go to Settings on your Android phone

Step 2: Search for Network & Internet option or Wifi & Network  

Step 3: Then click on Mobile Network 

Step 5: Select Advanced 

Step 6: Look for options such as Enable VoLTE or Advanced calling

Step 7: Toggle the switch to enable and enjoy VoLTE calling. 

⚠️Note: Make sure your carrier offers VoLTE and your phone is running on its latest version.

How do I turn off VoLTE on Android?

Turning off VoLTE on Android is as simple as enabling it: simply go to settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced, and then disable the VoLTE option by toggling the switch. 

Follow along with this stepwise guide for a more thorough process. 

Step 1: Access your Android settings

Step 2: Look for Network & Internet or Wifi & Network or Network. 

Step 3: Now, search for Mobile Networks or Cellular Networks.

Step 4: Select Advanced setting

Step 5: If your VoLTE is already enabled, toggle off the VoLTE for disabling it. 

How do I turn on  VoLTE on iPhone?

To turn on VoLTE on your iPhone, Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Options > Voice & Data > VoLTE, and toggle on the VoLTE option. 

For a more detailed guide, follow these steps. 

Step 1: Go to your iPhone Settings. 

Step 2: Tap on Cellular 

Step 3: Access Cellular Data Options

Step 4: Then select the Voice & Data option

Step 5: Now, choose the required network mode (3G/4G), most preferably 4G. 

Step 6: Turn on VoLTE by tapping the toggle option. 

⚠️Note: Make sure your network carrier offers VoLTE

How do I turn off VoLTE on iPhone?

If your VoLTE is already enabled on your iPhone and you want to turn it off, then go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Options > Voice & Data > toggle off VoLTE

Step 1: Access your iPhone Settings 

Step 2: Go to Cellular > Cellular Data Options

Step 3: Then select the Voice & Data option

Step 4: Tap on the already enabled VolTE option to disable it.

What are VoLTE’s  Challenges and Limitations?

Though VoLTE is an established technology, it has its own challenges and limitations.  

• Device Compatibility: One of the core issues with VoLTE is that both parties must have devices capable of using VoLTE. However, not all devices are compatible with VoLTE technology, especially old models. This gives rise to interoperability issues and restricts the global penetration of VoLTE services.

• Large Investment: For VoLTE operation, a large-scale network upgrade must be done. VoLTE requires telecommunication companies to invest in their network upgrades, which involve installing new hardware and software solutions. This first investment can be really high, and it may pose financial issues for some providers.

• Network Coverage: VoLTE uses 4G LTE networks to facilitate voice conversation. Though 4G coverage is expanding, some locations have poor or even no network signals. Therefore, users in isolated areas may struggle to obtain VoLTE services due to poor network coverage.

• Network Congestion: VoLTE uses data networks and is subject to congestion during peak usage. Congestion in the network might reduce the quality of calls and may result in dropped calls or latency problems.

What are the differences between VoLTE and VoIP?

VoLTE	VoIP
Stands for Voice over Long-term evolution	Stands for Voice over Internet Protocol
It is a native part of the cellular network and uses 4G/5G LTE network	It is a part of the internet protocol and uses wifi or broadband connection
Requires a compatible phone and carrier that supports VoLTE.	Requires dedicated VoIP apps.
Calls are generally typically billed like regular cellular minutes.	Calls are generally cheap and subscription-based plans or unlimited calling.
It is not dependent on internet quality and is less prone to security risks.	It is dependent on an internet connection and is more prone to security risks.

👉 Read More About: What Is IP Telephony? How Is It Different From VoIP?

What are the differences between VoLTE and VoWifi?

VoLTE	VoWiFi
It operates over a 4G/LTE network	It utilizes the internet and operates over WiFi networks for voice calls.
VoLTE deployment depends on LTE networks, so the coverage depends on the carrier’s network infrastructures.	VoWifi can be deployed wherever there is WiFI and is not limited to a specific cellular network
It is a network-layered VoIP	It is an app-layered VoIP
It is designed to support emergency calls and is integrated with existing emergency services.	VoWiFi emergency calling capabilities may vary depending on the carrier and region.

Use KrispCall Cloud Phone System for Better & Affordable Call Quality

Though VoLTE has great advantages, it is pretty costly and requires a huge chunk of bucks for businesses to implement for high-quality calls.

Instead, businesses can choose cloud-based VoIP services like KrispCall for better call management with an excellent level of audio quality. With an extended set of features at affordable pricing, KrispCall is one of the best VoIP-based cloud phone systems available in the market. 

Along with basic softphone system features like call forwarding, call routing, voicemail, and multiple numbers, KrispCall also offers advanced features like IVR, call analytics, international virtual numbers, and CRM integrations. 

KEY Features:

• Call routing & Call forwarding
• IVR (Interactive-voice response)
• Shared Number
• International Virtual numbers
• Third-party software integrations
• Call Notes & Analytics

KrispCall’s Pricing:

• Essential: $12/user/month (billed annually)
• Standard: $32/user/month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: Customizable / Contact Sales 

Conclusion

Voice over LTE makes phone calls faster, better quality, and easier to set up by connecting to 4G LTE networks, which isn’t possible with traditional 2G or 3G tech. You can enable VoLTE easily by making some tweaks to your mobile phone settings to enjoy its benefits on both Android and iPhone. 

Additionally, If you want to take your telecommunication to a new level, you can check out KrispCall. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or an individual looking for high-quality calls with some efficient call management features, KrispCall is the best choice to go for. 

FAQs

1. What U.S. Phone carriers offer VoLTE services?

Most major U.S. carriers offer Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services. These carriers include AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint (now part of T-Mobile). It’s always a good idea to check with your specific carrier for the most up-to-date information.

2. How do I know if my phone is VoLTE compatible?

You can check your phone’s specifications or settings to see if it supports VoLTE. Generally, under your phone’s settings, there should be an option related to cellular or network settings where you can enable or disable VoLTE. Additionally, you can contact your carrier or check their website for a list of VoLTE-compatible devices.

3. What is VoLTE Roaming?

VoLTE Roaming refers to the ability to use VoLTE services while you are in an area outside of your carrier’s usual coverage area. With VoLTE Roaming, you can still make high-quality voice calls over LTE networks even when you are not in your home network’s coverage zone. Roaming agreements between carriers enable this service.

4. Does VoLTE work without data?

No, VoLTE requires an active data connection to establish voice calls over LTE networks. It utilizes the same underlying data network for both voice and data transmission.

5. Can you make emergency calls with VoLTE?

Yes, you can make emergency calls (like 911 in the U.S.) using VoLTE. In emergency situations, your phone is designed to connect to any available network, even if it’s not your primary carrier’s network. If your phone is VoLTE-compatible, emergency calls will still work over LTE networks, providing a high-quality and reliable connection when needed.