What Voice and Video over LTE is and how to enable it

While the primary use of a phone is to make or receive calls, not every phone excels at that task. A common issue users face is that phone calls are not always clear. It is here that Voice over LTE, or VoLTE, steps in to change that. VoLTE is a technology used in modern devices that helps users make high-quality voice calls using 4G and 5G LTE technology.

VoLTE calls: What they are and how they work

VoLTE is short for Voice over Long-Term Evolution and unlike traditional circuit-switched voice calls, it uses packet-switched technology to transmit voice calls over LTE networks. It is a new standard for voice service that relies on high-speed wireless communication networks on devices such as smartphones, data terminals, IoT devices, and wearables.

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Based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) framework, VoLTE calls are treated as data flows within the LTE network and thus no longer need traditional circuit switch networks. In the absence of VoLTE, your voice calls switch from 5G and 4G networks to 3G or 2G, while VoLTE calls remain on the 5G and 4G LTE network, delivering an uninterrupted data service.

Voice over LTE: Network support and benefits

With the arrival of Jio 4G in 2016, VoLTE calls also became common and today, most 5G and 4G wireless networks use LTE technology and offer VoLTE support. Smartphones also include support for VoLTE regardless of the price, and offer the option to enable or disable the feature. The only requirement for VoLTE calls is that both the devices on the communication channel should be compatible with VoLTE.

The benefit of using VoLTE is that it uses the adaptive multi-rate (AMR) code, which operates at different bit rates and can be adapted by different network conditions, to deliver clearer calls. It also uses spectrum more efficiently than traditional voice technology and supports up to six-way conference calls. Other benefits include improved battery life compared to VoIP, reliable services and interoperability, and allows users to make calls and use data simultaneously.

How to enable VoLTE calls on iPhones and Android smartphones

As mentioned above, VoLTE calls used to be an option when carriers relied on 4G for data traffic while continuing to switch to 3G or 2G for voice. However, more carriers are now phasing out older network standards to deliver voice and data on 5G and 4G networks, making VoLTE a well-supported protocol for voice calls. This means, your next smartphone will come with VoLTE enabled by default.

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However, if your phone doesn’t have VoLTE enabled by default, here is how you can enable it on your iPhone and Android smartphones.

How to enable VoLTE on iPhones

To enable VoLTE on iPhone, you need to follow the below steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Tap on to ‘Mobile Service.’

Step 3: Go to ‘SIMs’ and click on your primary connection.

Step 4: Scroll down to ‘Voice & Data.’

Step 5: Click on the toggle next to VoLTE.

You can repeat the above steps to enable VoLTE on your secondary connection as well.

How to enable VoLTE on Android phones

While the steps might vary considering the different make and models available across Android; here are the steps that should work for most Android devices:

Step 1: Head to the Settings app.

Step 2: Click on ‘Network and internet.’

Step 3: Select ‘Internet.’

Step 4: Now, choose Settings next to SIM.

Step 5: Toggle VoLTE On.

If you have a Samsung smartphone then go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Toggle VoLTE on for your SIM. According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, 832 operators have commercially launched public LTE networks offering fixed wireless broadband and/or mobile services globally.

Video over LTE: What is it and what are its benefits?

Video over LTE, also known as ViLTE, is an extension of Voice over LTE. It is a person-to-person video service that enhances the voice service (VoLTE) with a high-quality video channel. With ViLTE, you don’t need to download a separate app to connect with your friends and relatives and instead use the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) core network for video calls.

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ViLTE has specific profiles for the control and media planes of the video service and is meant to enrich the experience of mobile telecommunication. Since it is an extension of VoLTE, you only need to enable VoLTE service to enjoy ViLTE as well. GSMA recommends combining ViLTE with RCS to provide the best service. While VoLTE is popular however, ViLTE isn’t widely used yet.