What is VoLTE? Advantages and disadvantages. Today, most smartphones have the right technology to enjoy the 4G network, an evolution of 3G networks that allows you to surf faster. If we add VoLTE technology to the 4G network, the quality of our calls will improve significantly. Below we explain everything you need to know about VoLTE and how and when we can enjoy using it.
What is VoLTE? Advantages and disadvantages
What is VoLTE and how does it work?
VoLTE is simply voice calls through the LTE network, or usually called 4G. Until now, operators used GSM or UMTS networks to transmit voice communications between terminals and 3G and 4G networks were responsible for transmitting our data over the Internet. The development of this technology has allowed us to transmit more and more data at a higher speed.
With VoLTE, operators have a service that can transmit our voice in small packets compressed over the Internet just as they do with our e-mails every time we use Gmail or WhatsApp conversations.
Can my smartphone use VoLTE?
In order to use VoLTE you need a smartphone with connection to LTE networks, which means your Android must have 4G. Obviously, our operator must offer this service (the main operators do it). Previously we needed a little software to make VoLTE calls, but nowadays it’s already integrated automatically.
The list of smartphones compatible with this technology includes:
- iPhone 6 and later
- Samsung S8 and later
- Samsung J3, J5 and J7
- Sony Xperia X, XZ, XZ Premium and XZ1
Benefits of VoLTE
The advantages of using the 4G network to send data are clear: higher speed and more data. Advantages of the fact that VoLTE will also benefit.
- High definition voice. The compression method in traditional calls uses an 8kbps codec, but with VoLTE the codec can have 13kbps in addition to a more modern compression method. The frequency range will also be increased from 300-3400 Hz to 50-7000 Hz. This translates into a much clearer call than a traditional mobile call.
- Conversations Rich. Along with the call, operators can offer a range of services known as RCS (Rich Communications Services). These services can include features such as video calls, data transfer and even simultaneous translation during the call.
- Faster connections. The call set-up time with VoLTE will be reduced. Perhaps this time around seven seconds, we expect to connect in just two seconds.
- Less battery consumption. VoLTE services have a more moderate energy consumption than VoIP services like Skype. VoLTE is not as demanding with your network requirements, and therefore consumes much less energy than a Skype voice call.
- Integration with Wi-Fi. VoLTE can be used not only through the 4G network, but we can also use it through any Wi-Fi connection, resulting in savings in our data transmission speed.
Disadvantages of VoLTE
As far as problems are concerned, we stress that this is a new technology and as such it still needs to be developed for quality service. So far these are the disadvantages of VoLTE:
- Disconnection of the call As we have already said, it is a new technology and the 4G network still does not have enough extension to guarantee a call without disconnections because it uses antennas different from other technologies.
- Limited to certain devices As mentioned above, the only terminals that will support VoLTE calls will be those equipped with 4G technology.
- Without communication between operators In principle it is only possible to call via VoLTE between the customers of the same operator, for example calls between one operator and another can not be made via VoLTE.
- Price change Now that we are used to the flat rate for calls, we change technology. As we have said, VoLTE calls use the data network. Therefore, the collection of such calls is in the part concerning the use of data in our invoice.
Obviously, it is an advance compared to the way of communicating that will revolutionize the traditional phone calls as the same phone that has revolutionized communications. What do you think of this new technology? Have you already tried it?