VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) is a standard for high-speed wireless communication that allows voice calls to be delivered over LTE networks, rather than the older circuits used for voice. Before VoLTE, only data services were used over LTE.
Here are some key points about VoLTE:
- High-Quality Calls: One of the primary benefits of VoLTE is that it provides a more efficient use of the spectrum than traditional voice, and thus can offer superior voice quality, often referred to as HD Voice.
- Simultaneous Voice and Data: With VoLTE, users can access LTE data while on a call, which was not always possible on older 3G networks.
- Improved Connectivity: VoLTE can provide faster call setup times compared to the traditional voice networks.
- Rich Communication Services (RCS): VoLTE sets the stage for RCS, which could offer features such as video calling, file transferring, real-time language translation, and more.
- Spectrum Efficiency: LTE is a more efficient technology, allowing carriers to carry voice traffic more effectively. As carriers are looking to shut down older networks, moving voice traffic to LTE helps in re-farming the spectrum.
- Roaming: As with any new technology, global roaming using VoLTE can be a challenge. Not all networks support VoLTE, so international or even domestic roaming in some cases can be an issue.
- Fallback: In areas where LTE isn’t available, VoLTE phones can fall back to older 2G or 3G networks to complete the call.
- Requirement: Both the calling and receiving parties need to be in an LTE area and have VoLTE-enabled phones to utilize VoLTE.
- Future-Ready: VoLTE is a step towards future technologies and innovations in telecommunications, including 5G.
VoLTE is becoming standard as carriers expand their LTE networks. It represents a shift from traditional voice services to a more modern, data-focused approach. As 5G begins to roll out worldwide, the principles behind VoLTE will continue to be integral for voice communication.