What Is VoLTE for Mobile Phones and How Do You Use It?

April 29, 2023, 7:22 am | Read time: 3 minutes

The abbreviation VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE (Long Term Evolution), voice over the fourth generation of mobile networks (4G). But why is there a standard for this? Isn’t it obvious that mobile networks transmit voice, meaning phone calls? Yes and no.

Of course, the primary purpose of mobile networks is to enable mobile phone calls. However, most users now also surf the internet on the go. To manage the rapidly increasing data volume, 4G/LTE was developed back in 2009. The standard was launched in Germany in 2010. At that time, calls were still handled via 2G and 3G–with higher power consumption and poorer voice quality. With VoLTE, those days are over.

The Advantages of VoLTE

The standard allows calls to be made over 4G/LTE. The difference from 2G and 3G: With Voice over LTE, calls are digitized. Digital calling is also available on landlines. The Voice over IP (VoIP) standard was developed for this. VoLTE is technically based on VoIP.

Unlike calling over 2G and 3G, call setup is faster with VoLTE. Additionally, power consumption is lower, meaning the smartphone battery lasts longer. And the voice quality is better. Since VoLTE is more frequency-efficient for mobile operators, they can offer their customers video or instant messaging calls.

Smartphone Status Bar What LTE, 5G, and HSDPA+ Reveal About Mobile Internet

Almost everyone uses a cell phone. But how does the mobile network behind it actually work?

Simply Explained How Does a Mobile Network Actually Work?

Voice over LTE Does Not Use Mobile Data

Since you stay in the 4G/LTE network when calling over VoLTE, you can continue surfing the internet or use online services like tethering during a call. This is particularly handy if you want to send a quick message via WhatsApp or email to the person you’re talking to during the call.

When calling over LTE, you don’t have to worry about reducing your data volume. Mobile operators charge for VoLTE calls in minutes, not data. So if you have a flat rate for call minutes, you won’t pay extra for VoLTE calls.

Also read: LTE, 4G, and 5G–the Differences Between Mobile Network Standards

Many Requirements for Using VoLTE

To use VoLTE, the smartphone must support the standard. This is now the case with most devices available on the market. For example, on iPhones from the 12th generation, the option is already activated by default.

Additionally, the mobile operator must offer plans that include the standard. This is usually the case with German providers, even with so-called mobile discounters. However, providers abroad do not always support VoLTE, so roaming over Voice over LTE sometimes doesn’t work. In such cases, providers often revert to calls over 2G or 3G. But even if both conditions are met, VoLTE may not work. Ultimately, the smartphone must also be in an LTE network.

And even then, a VoLTE call is not guaranteed to succeed. The mentioned requirements apply not only to the caller but also to the person being called. If both are “VoLTE-capable,” the call can only fail at one point: the standard must be activated in the smartphone’s settings.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.