What is VoLTE: How It Works, Benefits, Advantages and How to Turn It OFF

Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) is a communication technology that allows voice calls to be made over a 4G LTE network. Previously, voice calls were made over a separate 2G or 3G network, while data was sent over the faster 4G network. VoLTE can transmit voice and data over the same network, providing better call quality and faster connection times.

How does VoLTE Work?

Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) is a technology that enables voice calls to be made over a 4G LTE network. It is an improvement over the traditional method of making voice calls, which was done using separate 2G or 3G networks. With VoLTE, voice calls are made over the same network used for data, resulting in better call quality, faster connection times, and the ability to simultaneously use voice and data services.

When a call is made using VoLTE, the voice is converted into data packets, which are then sent over the 4G LTE network. The data is received by the person on the other end of the call and converted back into voice. Because the voice is transmitted as data, it can be sent faster and more efficiently, resulting in clearer calls and faster connection times.

One of the biggest advantages of VoLTE is its ability to provide better call quality. Traditional voice calls are transmitted using circuit-switched technology, which can result in poor call quality due to background noise and interference. With VoLTE, the voice is transmitted as data, less prone to interference and noise, resulting in clearer calls.

Another benefit of VoLTE is its ability to allow users to make voice calls and use data services simultaneously. In the past, if a user was on a voice call, they could not use data services simultaneously. VoLTE removes this limitation, enabling users to browse the web, send messages, and use apps while on a call.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to using VoLTE. For example, it may only be available on some devices or networks, and it can consume more battery life and data than traditional voice calling. Additionally, there may be compatibility issues with other communication technologies, and the network infrastructure must be in place to support VoLTE.

Overall, VoLTE significantly improves over traditional voice calling, offering better call quality, faster connection times, and the ability to simultaneously use voice and data services. As the technology continues to be rolled out by carriers worldwide, it is likely to become the standard method for making voice calls on mobile devices.

Let’s look at the benefits and disadvantages in more detail.

Benefits of VoLTE

Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) technology offers several benefits over traditional voice calling. Here are some of the most significant advantages of VoLTE:

1. Better Call Quality: VoLTE uses a packet-switched network to transmit voice as data, resulting in better call quality. Traditional voice calls are transmitted using circuit-switched networks susceptible to background noise and interference. In contrast, VoLTE provides high-definition (HD) voice quality, allowing for clearer calls with reduced background noise.
2. Faster Connection Times: VoLTE offers faster connection times for voice calls than traditional voice calling. This is because VoLTE calls are established over the LTE network faster than traditional circuit-switched networks. Users experience a shorter call setup time, making it easier to connect with others and have smoother conversations.
3. Simultaneous Voice and Data Services: With VoLTE, users can use voice and data services at the same time. In the past, if a user was on a voice call, they could not use data services, and vice versa. VoLTE removes this limitation, allowing users to browse the internet, use social media, and check emails while on a call.
4. Improved Battery Life: VoLTE can improve battery life by reducing the time it takes to establish a voice call. When using traditional voice calling, the network must switch from 4G LTE to 3G or 2G, which can take several seconds and drain the battery. In contrast, VoLTE calls remain on the 4G LTE network, resulting in faster call setup times and less battery drain.
5. Enhanced Security: VoLTE provides enhanced security for voice calls by encrypting them end-to-end. This ensures that the call data is secure from hackers and cybercriminals who may attempt to intercept voice calls.
6. Compatibility with Rich Communication Services (RCS): VoLTE is compatible with RCS, a set of communication protocols that enables advanced features such as messaging, file sharing, and video calls. This allows users to enjoy a richer communication experience beyond traditional voice calling.

Overall, VoLTE technology offers significant benefits over traditional voice calling, including better call quality, faster connection times, simultaneous voice and data services, improved battery life, enhanced security, and compatibility with RCS. As carriers continue to roll out VoLTE technology, it will likely become the standard for voice calling on mobile devices.

Disadvantages of VoLTE

While VoLTE offers many benefits, there are some disadvantages to consider. Here are a few:

1. Limited compatibility: VoLTE may not be available on all devices or networks. Older devices or networks may not support the technology, limiting its usefulness.
2. Battery life: VoLTE can consume more than traditional voice calling. This is because the technology requires more power to transmit data over the 4G network.
3. Data usage: VoLTE calls use data, impacting a user’s data plan. While the amount of data used per call is minimal, frequent use can increase over time.
4. Call quality: While VoLTE generally provides better call quality, there can be instances where the call quality is worse than traditional voice calling. This can occur when a user is in an area with poor 4G coverage or when the network is experiencing high traffic.
5. Interoperability: VoLTE may not be compatible with other communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi or video calling. This can limit the user’s ability to make calls in certain situations.
6. Network infrastructure: To use VoLTE, the network infrastructure must be in place to support it. This can require significant investment by carriers, which may need to be faster to roll out the technology in certain areas.

How to Turn Off Volte

While VoLTE offers many benefits, some users may prefer to turn it off. This may be due to concerns about battery life, data usage, or compatibility issues with certain networks.

To turn off VoLTE on an Android device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap on “Network & internet.”
3. Tap on “Mobile network.”
4. Tap on “Advanced.”
5. Tap on “Preferred network type.”
6. Select “3G” or “2G” instead of “LTE/4G”.

On an iPhone, the process is slightly different:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap on “Cellular.”
3. Tap on “Cellular Data Options.”
4. Tap on “Enable LTE.”
5. Select “Off.”

Remember that turning off VoLTE may result in poorer call quality and slower connection times, as calls will be made over a separate 2G or 3G network. Additionally, some carriers may require VoLTE to be enabled to use certain features or services.

Also read: DISH Pushes Back 5G Till The Third Quarter of 2021