LTE - what is it in a phone, how to use it. VoLTE technology - a new word in cellular communications VoLTE - what is it

Digital technologies are developing very quickly, and one of the striking examples of such progress is VoLTE, however, few people know what it is in a phone.

In fact, this is a very useful communication standard in our time that works in cellular networks. Notably, it is fully compatible with 3G and .

But this is all theory and dry facts. To understand what we are talking about and why such a standard is needed at all, it is necessary to understand all its features. This is what we'll do!

Designation

VoLTE fully stands for "Voice over Long Term Evolution", which translates to “voice through long-term development.” It consists of two parts - “Vo” and “LTE”.

Nowadays, more and more cities around the world are actively using 3G. We connect the Internet through this standard.

So, there is 4G or 4G LTE. The Internet is also connected through this standard. In more formal terms, it is a method of transmitting data.

Everything is very simple.

Now let's talk about How did this technology come about and what is its purpose?

A little bit of history

The first full-fledged release of VolTE is dated May 2014. Then SingTel, which is based in Singapore, introduced the service in question.

At that time, it only worked in Singapore and did not extend to other countries. Moreover, at first he worked on a single phone - .

SingTel is very popular all over the world. There are 37 offices of this company in Asia, Europe and the USA. It is a sponsor of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.

SingTel's main areas of activity are cellular communications, Internet technologies and the so-called Fixed Network.

In addition to the technology under consideration, . This is a little information for your reference.

Let's return to the development of VoLTE.

Already in June 2014 the operator mobile communications in South Korea, CT began to be provided using this standard.

After the merger with China Mobile, CT continued to provide the highest quality roaming in the world at that time. Over time, KPN and iBasis began to offer the same service.

November of the same year marked another major event in the history of VoLTE.

Then Verizon and AT&T announced that they would jointly introduce a connection using Voice over LTE between subscribers who are ready to connect to such a service.

And this event really happened in 2015.

After this, more and more countries are introducing the use of the standard in question.

Today, very few countries have full support for voice transmission over LTE networks - as of November 2017, there are only 9 of them.

At the same time, in such technically “advanced” countries as Germany, Canada and France, the implementation of the standard is only being planned.

It is absolutely unclear why other countries and mobile operators Don't rush into using VoLTE.

Perhaps this has something to do with the cost of equipment or a banal lack of specialists who could do this.

Why is VoLTE needed?

There are at least three reasons why specialists from Singapore decided to create a new data transfer standard:

• Faster call making. The fact is that any device will be able to make a call much faster if it has 4G connected. It does not waste time switching to 3G, which is usually about 2-3 seconds. Previously, it was impossible to make calls with 4G and smartphones and tablets required time to switch to 3G when the user wanted to make a call. But with the advent of the ability to transmit voice using 4G, all operations began to be performed much faster.
• Higher quality of communication. The point is that the sound quality has also become much higher with the advent of the technology in question. Users began to hear each other many times better. This is really important in this day and age.
• Saving data transfer while making a call. Surely, 4G users have repeatedly encountered the problem when they receive a call and the Internet turns off. Now this won't happen.

In general, there was definitely a point in new developments and the emergence of new technology, by and large, was a matter of time.

It is worth saying that VoLTE has many advantages, but there are also disadvantages. Let's talk about them.

Advantages

In addition to higher communication quality and , 4G has the following positive aspects:

1 Increasing network capacity. If we talk in simple language, here it is implied that the number of subscribers for one station increases. For those who are not in the know, let's say that all subscribers mobile operators served by base stations. So, when 3G is used, the number of subscribers at each base station is less than when using VoLTE, and by as much as 3 times. Usually, due to the overload of such stations, there were interruptions in communication and other problems of the same type.

2 Now you can make calls completely free of charge. This is a unique advantage that is achieved by using this type of network. The fact is that 4G does not provide for a switching connection at all, which means that you do not need to pay for the corresponding communications. Voice is transmitted through the same system through which other types of data are transmitted, roughly speaking, over the Internet. Therefore, if the subscriber uses unlimited Internet, he won’t pay a penny for calls.

Speaking of the latter, it is worth noting that calls will be free even to those subscribers who use 2G and 3G.

In any case, if the Internet is unlimited, you will not pay anything.

It seems impossible, but it's true!

At the same time, in earlier AMR-NB services. Even without understanding these terms, you can easily understand that in 4G everything is much better and the voice is “purer”.

In this world, unfortunately, everything is imperfect, so Voice over LTE also has shortcomings, and for some they will be very significant. Let's move on to the negative.

Flaws

Experts highlight three negative points, namely:

Accordingly, more energy is needed to operate the device, that is, more capacious battery. Or you will need to charge it more often or. However, today all such gadgets are “famous” for their terrible battery capacity. At best, after six months of using the device, you will have to charge it every day. But if the user also uses VoLTE, over time a full battery charge will last for half a day or even less. You will have to change batteries quite often or use all sorts of ways to achieve reduced energy consumption(disabling applications and services, cleaning, etc.).

2 The need for a general transition to the new standard by all mobile operators. To ensure normal operation, it is necessary that each operator decides to use 4G and this standard becomes the main one. The problem is that connecting 4G subscribers with 3G and 2G subscribers is a complex procedure that requires the fulfillment of a large number of conditions. For example, it is necessary that the area has appropriate equipment. A third drawback is related to this.

3 In areas where there are no LTE stations, there will be no connection at all unless you manually switch to 3G. Actually, today there are very few such towers, so, unfortunately, people who decide to use new technologies will often have to switch from one standard to another.

In truth, the moment when the necessary base stations will be installed everywhere is still very far away.

As we said above, very few operators in a small number of countries have decided to switch to the new standard.

Let's summarize everything that has been said.

Results

So, VoLTE is a new communication standard, a technology for voice transmission using LTE networks.

In the networks that were used previously, this was not possible.

Among other things, the use of such a standard makes it possible to achieve higher voice quality during transmission, as well as a complete abolition of charges for calls.

The reason for the latter is that there is no switching involved.

The technology also has disadvantages. For example, the load on the device () becomes greater. Accordingly, it will need to be charged more often.

In addition, for the normal application of the standard, it is necessary that all mobile operators begin to switch to it. Today, unfortunately, this is unlikely.

And yet Voice over LTE has excellent development prospects!

05.03.2019 The promotion has expired

In 2018, MTS began actively promoting new technology throughout Russia VoLTE communications. With its help, you connect with the subscriber almost instantly and at the same time hear the person as clearly as if he were next to you. How VoLTE works and which smartphones support this technology – we’ll tell you in our material.

A few words about LTE

In order to understand what VoLTE is, you must first understand how LTE technology works. Long-Term Evolution is a modern standard for data transmission on the Internet, which is several times faster than a 3G connection. It is with its help that you can watch videos in HD quality without delays, download and upload large files.

Compare: download speeds on LTE networks can reach up to 300 Mbit/s, and upload speeds up to 170 Mbit/s. At the same time, the average wired Internet speed fluctuates around only 100 Mbit/s.

But for a long time LTE had a significant limitation. This technology It is designed only for data transmission, but not voice. That is, if you are in LTE networks and receive an incoming call, your gadget automatically switches to 2G/3G. This causes connection delay. In addition, the data transfer speed that started on the LTE network is reduced. The solution to such problems was VoLTE technology.

VoLTE in a smartphone

VoLTE (from English Voice over LTE - voice over LTE) converts voice into a data stream, due to which you can make and receive calls over a high-speed IP channel. At the same time, the gadget does not waste time switching between communication systems, so the connection occurs in 1–1.5 seconds. This technology has several significant advantages:

1. High-quality sound transmission due to support for a set of HD Voice codecs. If during regular telephony the sound is transmitted at a frequency of up to 3400 Hz, then when calling via VoLTE the sound range increases to 7000 Hz or more. That is, you hear human speech without interference or distortion.
2. Simultaneous calls and data processing. Using VoLTE, you can simultaneously talk on the phone, view Instagram, download a movie, navigate the area using a navigator, and so on.
3. Increased mobile network capacity. One base station via VoLTE it can serve 3 times more subscribers than via 3G. This means that you are not afraid of communication interruptions due to telephone line overload.

Which smartphones support VoLTE?

VoLTE technology works on many modern gadgets from Apple, Samsung, Sony, Huawei and others. Full list you can look at the models.

How to set up VoLTE on a smartphone

VoLTE calling is easy to set up. As a rule, after updating the software, the gadget includes this mode automatically. If this does not happen, you can activate this option in the smartphone settings.

For smartphones running Android OS:

Select the “SIM cards and mobile networks", find the command "VoLTE HD Call" and switch it to active mode.

On different models smartphones this section may differ in name.

For smartphones running iOS:

Go to the “Settings” menu, select the “Cellular” section, then “Data Options”, find the “Enable LTE” command and switch it to active mode. If Voice & Data is disabled, enable it to enable VoLTE.

Important!

If you want to use VoLTE technology for calls to landline numbers, you need to dial the number in the format: +7-area code-phone number. When dialing a number in a short format, the advantages of the technology are lost: such a call will be transferred to the 2G/3G network at your location. Additionally, dialing the area code is not very convenient, but in this case you will definitely get through to where you need to be when traveling around Russia and the world.

How much does it cost?

The same amount as regular calls via 2G/3G networks according to the tariff you purchased. MTS does not provide any additional tariffs.

What to do if your smartphone does not support VoLTE?

This does not mean that you need to urgently run to the nearest salon cellular communications for a new mobile phone. All you need to do is download the proprietary MTS Connect application and you can make calls from anywhere in the world, saving on roaming charges. It doesn’t matter whether your interlocutor has a similar application installed.

We also present to your attention a selection of publications about VoLTE technology.

Now many owners of Apple smartphones will be able to use modern and convenient technologies for Internet calls - VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling.

• 1. Why do I need this?

  Saving.
  Speed.
  Quality.
  And one more thing…

• 2.
• 3.
• 4. What if I have a Samsung?
• 5.
• 6.
• 7.

• 01 Why do I need this?

  Saving. Wi-Fi calling allows you to make calls Wi-Fi networks worldwide at your home rate.
  Speed. VoLTE provides almost instantaneous - less than 2 seconds - connection on a voice call. This is faster than calls in instant messengers, and many times faster than the speed of regular connections on 2G and 3G networks.
  Quality. The clarity of your interlocutor’s voice will be at the HD Voice level, that is, as if you were talking to him while in the same room.
  And one more thing… VoLTE gives you the ability to simultaneously talk and use 4G data. You can also start a call on the street, via LTE, and end it at home, on your Wi-Fi network. We're so clever at switching conversations between networks that you won't even notice.

• 02 How much will it cost to connect and use VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?

  The fact that you use such opportunities is not at all. VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling calls themselves will cost the same as regular calls.

• 03 That is, I can call, for example, from Barcelona to Moscow via Wi-Fi from my iPhone and this will be considered as a regular home call?

  Yes. Call even from the North Pole, just find Wi-Fi there. And don't touch the polar bears.

• 04 What if I have a Samsung?

  It's even simpler. Wi-Fi calling has been working on your device for a long time. Just make sure you have it connected. How to do this is described. At the same link you will find the entire list of devices on which VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling. Huawei, Sony, Motorola, Highscreen, LG, Alcatel and, of course, MTS have models supporting these technologies (or one of them).

• 05 OK. How to connect this on iPhone?

  Both VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling are now available on models Apple smartphones, starting with iPhone 6/SE and later. Wi-Fi calling is available starting from iPhone models 5S. To connect, you need to update the software on your gadget to iOS versions 11.3.

• 06 Do I need to enable some kind of service?

  Your number must be connected free service"Internet calls". You can add it using the USSD command *111*6#. If you have any questions, read the details here. VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling calls themselves will cost the same as regular calls according to your tariff

• 07 And lastly: why does MTS need this if it doesn’t bring in additional money?

  It's just cool! Of course, one could say that MTS thus increases throughput networks by transferring part of the traffic to a less loaded 4G network or stimulating consumption mobile internet, blah blah blah... But most of all we want our subscribers to feel comfortable and convenient. We tried it and we liked it.

In 2012, I noticed that some of my friends could be heard much better when making cell phone calls than everyone else. The difference was so significant that I began to ask my interlocutors what kind of phones they were using (it was easier to determine the operator back then due to the lack of the ability to port the number). It turned out that we are talking about a bunch of smartphones Sony Xperia and MTS, which began introducing HD Voice technology. Then I found out that MegaFon has been operating HD Voice since 2010, but for some reason I didn’t notice a similar contrast, although at that moment he was my main operator.

The human voice ranges from 80 to 14,000 hertz, but before HD Voice it was placed in a Procrustean bed of 300-3400 Hz, which, of course, was difficult to miss. HD Voice has expanded the range to 50-7000 Hz. This is also not ideal, but much, much better.

For some reason they saw HD Voice on the Beeline website like this

Over time, the list of smartphones that support HD Voice has expanded significantly, and today it is difficult to find a device that does not do this. But still, the voice does not always sound good enough. Especially as operators introduce priorities for Internet traffic, and voice has to make do with the remaining bandwidth. Messengers “sound” better, but, as they say, there is no stability.

I discussed this topic while working on the “Russia at Digital Speed” project, and I was advised to try VoLTE technology. Using the rough language of Wikipedia, I will say that this is “voice over LTE technology based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Allows you to provide voice services and deliver them as a data stream over LTE. VoLTE has three times the voice and data capacity of 3G UMTS networks and up to six times more than 2G GSM networks. It also frees up bandwidth because the packet headers are smaller than unoptimized VoIP/LTE.”

At the time of writing (March 5, 2018), VoLTE actually and officially works only with MegaFon. Beeline launched support in Moscow on six rather exotic smartphones, but then turned it off on them too. Tele2 VoLTE seems to function on three smartphones released under its own brand, but they are so dead (in the sense of smartphones) that I didn’t really want to buy them for the test. MegaFon has an impressive list (), and it includes Apple flagships, LG, Samsung and even Nokia. According to unofficial data, VoLTE is enabled on some ZTE. Considering that to use VoLTE in MegaFon you just need to have a SIM card with 4G+ support, there are plenty of opportunities to test the technology in action.

But why?

If you think that VoLTE is just an improvement in voice quality, then no, it's a little more interesting.

Firstly, during a conversation, Internet access is not interrupted. And if during a regular call, when the smartphone is in hand, this is not particularly critical, then when using online navigation, having access to the Network is very important.

Over the hill, the implementation of VoLTE is also a source of pride and is not yet encountered too often

Secondly, the connection setup speed is reduced radically. Sometimes it’s just instant, sometimes you have to wait 1-2 seconds. It's just nice.

And thirdly, yes - the voice is really better. This is especially noticeable with MegaFon, which has long given priority to the Internet, which is why ordinary voice calls have acquired a strong metallic taste. When calling over LTE, naturalness returns.

I was interested in the question: how does using VoLTE affect time? battery life? On the forums they say that either nothing, or it works a little longer. Looking ahead a little, I will say that my impression is rather closer to “no way.” But no less, that's good.

Also, the use of technology does not affect costs, everything remains within the chosen tariff plan. Internet traffic used for voice does not consume the Internet package.

For the operator, the benefit of VoLTE is the ability to use frequencies more efficiently (remember about tripled voice capacity). Owners of tariffs with a large number of prepaid minutes usually use enough modern devices, and if you drag them to LTE, everyone will be better off.

Where does it work?

IN this moment experiments with VoLTE for all operators are limited to Moscow and the Moscow region. When you travel to neighboring regions, the magic disappears. Also, a SIM card from another region, once in Moscow, will not begin to support VoLTE.

If the interlocutor, who is on the network of the same operator, does not have a smartphone that supports VoLTE, the quality of voice transmission will not improve, but the connection speed will still be high, and the ability to transfer data during a call will not disappear. When calling a subscriber of another operator, the bonus will be only the Internet during the conversation, because the connection speed no longer depends only on your operator.

If a person calls you from an outdated device (or operator), your voice will still go over LTE, but the normal codec will be used. Therefore, the quality of voice transmission will not increase.

Go!

Armed with all this knowledge, I went to the MegaFon salon to get a SIM card. Employees were not very aware of how to make VoLTE work. In particular, it is not clear from the official description whether any tariff will be suitable or only the option from the new “Turn On” set. For greater reliability, I connected “Turn on! Write."

The first experience of diving into VoLTE was not very successful: despite the fact that the LG G6 (870DS) is on the list of supported ones, the technology did not work. Neither the menu item nor the characteristic icon appeared in the service bar. I moved the SIM card into the Sony Xperia XZ Premium, and that’s where everything got hooked up. This is, of course, a little strange, but oh well.

MegaFon honestly warns that the “Personal beep”, “Anti-AON”, “One-time Anti-AON” and “Who called +” services do not work in VoLTE mode. As far as I understand, the point is precisely that the traffic goes through LTE, and the existing equipment cannot interface it with some services. In the future, these restrictions will probably disappear.

It is easy to find out about the presence of VoLTE on the Sony Xperia XZ Premium by the impressive size of the logo in the service line. When switching to a 3G and 2G network, the logo disappears. The active call is not interrupted, but the voice quality changes. In general, no wonder: the codec is replaced from AMR WB (Adaptive multi rate wide band, also known as G.722.2) to AM NB (Adaptive multi rate narrow band).

As for the call quality in VoLTE mode, it is really excellent. The frequency range expands to 16,000 Hz, that is, even more than is needed to convey all shades of voice. The bitrate depends on the specific device and the settings of the network segment, so fluctuations are possible in the range from 12.65 to 23.85 Kbps. Audiophiles may shudder slightly after such figures, but still the voice is not a jazz concert, and that’s enough. The voice breathes, lives, and the difference with the sound of MegaFon in less advanced modes is quite significant.

Peek into the future

In the comments to the post on Facebook, where I announced the start of experiments with VoLTE, I was told that MTS also has this technology. More precisely, it is being tested, but you can join without special effort. Why this time the operator decided to launch the technology synchronously with his colleagues - I don’t know. Perhaps they decided for once not to play catch-up, but to finish it so that it would become available to the maximum number of clients and “make friends” with already operating services. In test mode, VoLTE from MTS is available on all current iPhones, starting with SE, as well as on Motorola Moto C Plus and some models of devices under its own brand. To participate, you must install the public beta version of iOS 11.3 on your iPhone.

I haven't experimented with betas on iPhone for a long time. Since then, when they had to be downloaded and installed from a computer via a cord. But now, after registering for the beta testing program, everything comes by air through standard menu updates, which is nice.

The installation of the beta went even smoother than the other final version. No icons appeared in the service bar; Apple doesn’t like that. In fact, the only way to detect VoLTE support on devices is the LTE icon during a call. And, of course, the other goodies are a fast connection, access to the Network via LTE during a call and increased voice quality.

Together, iOS 11.3 Beta2 came to the iPhone and Wi-Fi technology Calling, which I've simply enjoyed since Samsung Galaxy S7, where it first appeared in conjunction with the MTS network. In the editorial office, the regular connection did not work very well at times, but with Wi-Fi all the problems immediately disappeared. Well, Wi-Fi Calling saved me a lot of money during trips abroad, because it applies the conditions of your home region, even if you don’t connect any Additional services to minimize costs. That is, incoming calls are free, outgoing calls use the regular package of minutes.

Already in test mode, the iPhone transitions from VoLTE to Wi-Fi Calling and other standards smoothly and without interruptions during a conversation. The codec in 3G and 2G naturally changes. It’s worth mentioning that it was with Wi-Fi Calling on the iPhone in iOS 11.3 Beta 2 that there were some rough spots (long connection and very high requirements for the quality of the Wi-Fi signal, you had to stand right next to the router), but already in Beta3 this was fixed in Beta4 it didn't get any worse.

In the service line, when switching to iOS 11.3, the name of the operator changes

When making calls within the Moscow MTS network, the voice quality is marvelous, but taking into account the fact that the interlocutors communicate not only through one operator, but also using smartphones of an expensive brand, one cannot expect anything else. When calling MegaFon subscribers with VoLTE connected, a funny picture is observed: for each interlocutor it seems to work, but somewhere along the way at the switch level everything is cut down to the usual level. I am sure that one day operators will make special gateways, but for now, unfortunately, miracles of progress are only possible within one network.

Nothing is known about restrictions on services in the MTS network. All details will be in official version iOS 11.3, which is expected in mid-March.

Total

The enormous progress in the field of mobile Internet over the past ten years has had virtually no effect on the quality of voice transmission. Voice and data seemed to live in the same room, but did not communicate, but created a lot of inconvenience for each other. VoLTE eliminates this strange disharmony, allowing the operator to stop being torn between voice and data communications.

Regular communication after VoLTE it will seem like an unpleasant archaism to you

Of course, the complete victory of the new technology is still very far away. Beeline began experiments in 2015 and stopped them. MegaFon has not expanded beyond the Moscow Region since September 2016, and not everything is going smoothly within it. The “implementation” of Tele2 cannot be seriously considered. MTS also works only in Moscow and the Moscow region, and although the first impression is good (especially taking into account the expansion of Wi-Fi Calling support on the iPhone), it is too early to talk seriously about the quality of work before mass use begins.

From a user point of view, switching from a conventional codec to AMR WB is like moving from a tape cassette to a CD. And the operators can be safely classified in the same way: this one also sells cassette players, and this one already sells CD players. Once you compare it, you won’t be able to go back.

Now I’m wondering who will be the first to leave the Moscow region. What are your bets?

VoLTE support is one of the characteristics of a smartphone that is increasingly being talked about at presentations. Today we will tell you what this function is and why it is needed.

VoLTE is a technology that allows voice transmission over 4G networks. This is one of the standards that emerged as a result of improving communication channels. Remember, initially Cell phones were designed for calls only. Even the SMS messaging function appeared a little later.

Over time, phones began to support new data transfer standards, including GPRS. However, voice calls remained the priority format for communicating via telephone. Now everything has changed.

Users are increasingly resorting to high-speed communication standards that allow data to be transferred as quickly as possible. Commercial fourth-generation networks (LTE) are focused on traffic, while voice transmission has so far been carried out over 2G or 3G. Until recently there were no other options. But then VoLTE came along.

Now our smartphones constantly switch between different communication standards, moving either to the Internet traffic transmission channel or to the voice communication zone. These manipulations significantly affect the performance and battery level. discharges quickly. And VoLTE will solve the problem, since you can communicate and transfer data through one communication channel.

Support for VoLTE technology does not require the smartphone to constantly switch between old networks. Purely theoretically, new technology will allow in the future to completely abandon 2G and 3G equipment.

Main advantages of VoLTE:

• Instant connection. No need to switch to another standard speeds up the connection with the subscriber. Sometimes the speed gain reaches 30 seconds.
• Free communication. Since calling via VoLTE involves the use of Internet traffic, you only need to pay for the Internet. By activating an unlimited package, you can communicate by phone around the clock. And all this will be free.
• Improving communication quality. The 3G connection significantly spoils the sound quality and does not allow it to be transmitted perfectly. The new standard will eliminate extraneous noise and will make the sound more spacious.
• Increasing Capacity cellular networks. 3G bases are designed for a limited number of subscribers. Exceeding this indicator leads to deterioration in signal quality. The capacity of LTE equipment is three times higher than that of third-generation networks and six times higher than that of second-generation networks.
• Possibility of simultaneous transmission of traffic and voice. Currently, when talking on the phone, the Internet connection is disconnected. Receiving traffic will resume only after the subscriber hangs up. VoLTE doesn't have this problem. Therefore, data exchange will continue even during a phone conversation.

Unfortunately, fourth-generation networks are still not widespread in Russia, although voice transmission technology over LTE is actively developing in other countries of the world. Progress is imperceptible and slow. Providers and cellular operators are gradually launching fourth generation networks, but more often this happens only within Moscow.

If you bought a smartphone with VoLTE support, but this technology is not available in your region, you should not deactivate the module. The function does not consume battery battery and does not require additional resources from the device.

At the moment, when choosing a smartphone, this option is not a priority. It’s worth paying attention to VoLTE support if you often travel or live in Moscow. Thanks to the new standard, you will experience a completely different quality of communication, and also appreciate the increased autonomy of your phone due to economical battery consumption.