Surely some of the readers have already seen or heard the letter combination VoLTE. Let's figure out what it hides underneath and how relevant it is today in Russia.
VoLTE - what is it?
VoLTE has a simple definition - it is a technology for voice transmission over LTE networks (the second name is 4G). Accordingly, it is only available on smartphones with 4G support. VoLTE is based on IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Its innovation is that the technology allows telecom operators to provide voice services, delivering them from the addressee to the addressee in the form of a data stream in LTE networks, which causes its greater capacity and higher quality than when making a call using 2G or 3G.
The VoLTE translation fully matches the definition. The letter combination means Voice over LTE, which is translated from English as “voice over LTE”.
The technology is not super-new - it was presented by the Singaporean corporation SingTel back in May 2014. Initially, VoLTE was supported by only one gadget - Samsung. Since 2015, telecom operators around the world, including Russian ones, have become actively interested in the technology.
Benefits of technology
Answering the question: “What is VoLTE?”, let’s touch on the most important advantages of the invention:
- Each call to the subscriber will be 2 seconds shorter - this is how much is spent on switching the smartphone from 4G to 3G mode when making a call to the recipient. Now the gadget does not need to do such manipulation.
- Improving communication quality, minimizing interference, voice distortion.
- While subscribers are talking using LTE VoLTE, their gadgets can transmit data to maximum speed 4G - as you remember, devices now have no need to “downgrade” to 3G.
- Increasing the number of subscribers who will be able to simultaneously maintain contact with one tower - the base station. This advantage, so far noticed only by telecom operators, will be remembered by subscribers with a kind word in New Year and other holidays - many are faced with the fact that they cannot reach their relatives and friends by phone just because of the excessive load on the mentioned tower. Now, in the VoLTE era, a base station can support three times as many subscribers.
Disadvantages of VoLTE
Le VoLTE also has a couple of disadvantages that are also important to note:
- The new technology implies a slightly higher load on the smartphone, as a result of which it will discharge a little faster during a call.
- LTE towers are mainly installed in cities and large populated areas. Therefore, on the highway, in nature and recreation centers, in villages, etc., communication may be lost. To reach a specific subscriber, the user will have to manually switch his smartphone to 3G or even EDGE, GPRS - to a mode that is supported in the given area. It is possible that gadget developers will soon “teach” their devices to perform this action automatically if necessary.
VoLTE in Russia
In Russia, new technology today has the following status:
- The large Russian operator Megafon provides VoLTE technology to its subscribers living in Moscow and the Moscow region. It is not available to all owners of gadgets that support 4G, but only to those who have some models of iPnone, Sony and a number of other manufacturers. The “Call in 4G” service (another name is “HD-voice in 4G”) is activated automatically. If this does not happen, you should seek help by calling the support service numbers.
- In Beeline, VoLTE is available to subscribers connected to tariffs with a postpaid system. It is provided only on certain models of gadgets - a list of them can be found on the company’s official website. You can try out the new technology by contacting the Beeline subscriber service.
- MTS provides its subscribers with a similar service - VoWiFi/VoWLAN (call from using Wi-Fi). Owners of the latest models can enjoy it Samsung Galaxy(A5-2016, J5 Prime, Edge, S8, S8+), as well as Sony Xperia XZs.
- The telecom operator Tele2 has also made it possible for Moscow subscribers to make calls using VoLTE technology. However, he did this selectively - so far only for owners of devices released directly by Tele2: Midi LTE, Maxi LTE, Maxi Plus. It’s easy to activate the service from this operator - you just need to dial *219*1#. Some users were able to manually configure voice transmission on their phones running on MTK chipsets. The operator also provides its subscribers with VoWiFi/VoWLAN. To make a call using this technology, the user must download a special application.
Let's look at the innovation in more detail using the example of a number of telecom operators.
VoLTE and Megafon
Be the first in Russia to get an answer to the question: “What is VoLTE?” It was Megafon subscribers who did it. In September 2016, owners of Sony Xperia (X, X Compact, X Performance, XZ) began using innovative technology.
In April 2017, it was the turn of owners of the latest iPhone models whose phones had an OS update no later than 10.3.1. The service is provided free of charge by default to subscribers of the entire line of Megafon tariff plans.
VoLTE technology for regional MTS subscribers
If Beeline, Megafon and Tele2 have not yet announced that they are planning access to VoLTE regions in their networks, MTS is sharing news about the prospects for a much larger-scale launch of the technology. Already in 2017, testing of the invention is expected in a number of regions of Russia: St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk and Vladivostok. Their residents will soon experience for themselves what VoLTE is.
As already mentioned, the operator has made it available to subscribers in the capital and the Moscow region Wi-Fi technology Calling. This happened in November 2016 - the technology was open only to owners of a limited number of Samsung and Sony models. Today, the operator plans to expand the range of supporting devices to include phones from manufacturers such as Asus, Alcatel, HTC, LeEco, ZTE. Their owners will also soon learn everything about VoLTE: what it is and what they use it with.
The situation with the iPhone is ambiguous - latest models Such devices support VoLTE by default, but work in cellular operator networks only after Apple has given direct permission to MTS.
VoLTE on iPhone
Today, the mentioned technology is available to owners of iPhone 6 and newer. We'll tell you how to do it detailed setup VoLTE on these phones:
- Go to the "General" section in your phone settings, find the "Software Update" item. After entering it, make sure that your iOS version is higher than 10.3. Otherwise, update the system.
- After these manipulations, in the same basic settings, find the “About device” tab, then - information about the operator. The operator's version no lower than 28.3 supports VoLTE (for Megafon, Beeline). If possible, upgrade to this level.
- After the reboot, you should re-enter "Settings" - " Cellular connection". In the "Data Settings" item in the "Voice and Data" tab, check the LTE box.
- Restart your iPhone again.
- With the mobile Internet turned on (make sure you are in the 4G - LTE coverage area), make a call to another subscriber. If the LTE icon does not disappear and the Internet works properly, then you are in at the moment tried the new Voice over LTE technology.
VoLTE is latest technology voice transmission in modern smartphones with support for 4G - the fastest Internet at the moment from mobile operators. The invention allows not only to improve the quality of communication and connection speed, but also to increase the capabilities base stations telecom operators.
Studying technical specifications In modern phones and smartphones you can come across the term VoLTE. Obviously the meaning this term is somehow connected with 4G and LTE networks, but most users do not understand the specific purpose of VoLTE (VOL LTE). In this material we will try to close this knowledge gap and tell you what VoLTE is in a phone or smartphone, what it is for and how it works.
In order to understand what VoLTE is, you must first explain the meaning of the term LTE. The abbreviation stands for Long-Term Evolution, which can be translated as long-term development.
In fact this means new standard wireless transmission information for phones, smartphones and other mobile devices. This standard provides the user mobile internet at a much higher speed than 3G, this allows you to download large files, view high definition videos, organize online broadcasts and much more.
Theoretically, LTE communication can provide the user with an Internet connection with download speeds of up to 326.4 Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 172.8 Mbit/s. In comparison, typical internet speeds over a wired connection are 100 Mbps.
What is VoLTE in a smartphone
The abbreviation VoLTE (VOL LTE) stands for Voice over LTE, which can be translated into Russian as “voice over LTE”. This is a technology developed to transmit voice over the LTE mobile network.
The fact is that LTE networks are designed exclusively for data transmission. Voice transmission in LTE, as it was in 2G and 3G networks, is simply not provided for. Therefore, when you need to make a call, the phone is forced to switch from LTE to 3G, which creates some delay when calling the subscriber. Also, with such a switch, the process of transmitting and receiving data via LTE stopped.
VoLTE technology was developed to solve these problems. This technology allows you to transmit voice to LTE networks turning it into a data stream.
- Better sound transmission. When calling via VoLTE, the interlocutor's voice sounds clear and natural, without distortion, which is typical for 2G and 3G networks.
- Simultaneous data and voice transmission. During a VoLTE call, you can continue to send and receive data. This can be useful if you use your phone as a GPS navigator or broadcast online.
- Fast connection. VoLTE support allows you to avoid switching from LTE to 3G and back, which significantly speeds up the time to reach the subscriber.
As for tariffs, calls using Voice over LTE are usually paid in the same way as regular calls over a 3G network. In this case, the transmitted data is not taken into account in the user’s Internet traffic. But it’s better to check with your mobile operator.
Which smartphones support VoLTE
Now almost everything is modern flagship smartphones support LTE. For example, such support is available in the following models:
- iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X;
- Sony Xperia XZ1, Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact, Sony Xperia XA1, Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra, Sony Xperia XA1 Plus, Sony Xperia XA2, Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra, Sony Xperia X, Sony Xperia X Performance, Sony Xperia XZ, Sony Xperia X Compact, Sony Xperia XZs, Sony Xperia XZ Premium, Sony Xperia L2, Sony Xperia XZ, Sony Xperia X, Sony Xperia XZ2, Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact;
- Huawei Honor 9 lite, Huawei Nova 2i, Huawei P smart;
- Samsung Note 8, Galaxy J7 Neo, Galaxy J2 2018, Galaxy J3, Galaxy J5, Galaxy J5 Prime, Galaxy J5 2016, Galaxy J7, Galaxy J7 2016, Galaxy J7 2017, Galaxy Neo J7, Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, Galaxy A7, Galaxy A8, Galaxy A8+, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+;
- LG K10 2017, LG X Power 2, LG Stylus 3, LG Q6α, LG G6, LG Venture;
It should be noted that VoLTE technology must be supported by both the phone and mobile operator. Otherwise, the call will be made through a 3G network with all the ensuing disadvantages.
Most people know that they connect to the mobile Internet through 2G, 3G, 4G networks. But not all subscribers are aware that voice calls are also made through them.
It is important to understand that all mobile network standards differ in bandwidth. This fact affects the quality of voice transmission when making calls. Naturally, if 2G networks are used, the operator has to compress the signal to ensure a stable connection.
For years, companies transmitted signals primarily over 3G networks. They provide good call quality, but in practice the sound is far from perfect. Now operators are starting to gradually introduce calls over 4G networks, and MTS was one of the first.
VoLTE in Russia
VoLTE from MTS operates only in a limited number of regions. It is better to check the availability of this service in your city directly with company representatives. Operators are trying to expand the list of regions, but to provide the VoLTE function to customers, it is necessary to carry out additional work on mobile networks.
By the way, MTS is a leader in this direction. At the moment, this company provides the service in the largest number of regions and is significantly superior to its competitors. The organization plans to continue developing networks in order to switch to the new standard throughout the country as quickly as possible.
VoLTE from MTS
The VoLTE inscription from MTS means that the voice signal is transmitted through the most modern standard. But to use the service, several conditions must be met:
- Networks in your region have been upgraded and your operator is officially providing this feature.
- There is a stable 4G signal.
- Your smartphone supports this technology.
Most phone manufacturers currently do not indicate the presence of VoLTE, since this feature is still little known. Therefore, the operator has prepared a list of smartphones that support this technology. You can view it on the page https://moskva.mts.ru/personal/connect/.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Why is it necessary at all? this function? To answer this question, we list the advantages of the technology:
- connection with the called subscriber is much faster and takes less than two seconds;
- Provides HD sound quality during a conversation;
- You can simultaneously make a voice call and use the mobile Internet;
- calls are charged at the regular price, in accordance with your plan;
- you can call to other cities and states at the same cost as within your home region;
- Additionally, the operator offers to use Wi-Fi to make calls. You can call another subscriber even if there is no MTS mobile network;
- The operator has debugged the synchronization between 4G and Wi-Fi. When you connect your phone to an access point, the call is transferred to the broadband Internet. Interruption of conversation and signal interruptions during this operation are eliminated.
Additionally, let's look at the disadvantages:
- The service is currently not available in all regions. But the operator is trying to introduce this technology in large cities;
- VoLTE is not supported by all devices. If your device cannot make voice calls over 4G, the service will not be available;
- In many cities, LTE network coverage is unstable. Often the smartphone switches to 3G, as indicated by an icon on the screen, and this fact can become a problem when using this option.
The main thing is that VoLTE is provided free of charge. You will not have to pay extra for this service, you will be able to use it freely and save on calls. Calls are billed according to your tariff plan.
How to connect VoLTE MTS?
You can enable VoLTE MTS by activating the “Internet calls” option. It includes not only VoLTE, but also calls via Wi-Fi and through the proprietary MTS Connect application. Subscription fee not available for this service.
You can activate the option in the following ways:
- IN personal account on the official website.
- In the operator's application My MTS.
- Using the command *111*6#.
- Call the customer support center.
IN additional settings the option is not needed. If the service is available to you, then it should work immediately after activation.
How to disable VoLTE on your phone?
You can disable VoLTE MTS in one of the following ways:
What to do if VoLTE MTS does not work?
If you encounter problems with VoLTE, you must:
- Check for 4G signal.
- Check the current status of the Internet calls service.
- Check if your smartphone supports this technology.
If you cannot find the cause of the problem yourself, it is better to call contact center operator. Experts will help you understand this situation and find a solution.
VoLTE technology is the organization of voice transmission over LTE networks, as a result of which it becomes possible to make transactions on these networks phone calls without switching communication technology.
How to enable VoLTE on Xiaomi
In Xiaomi smartphones, there are two options to enable this option:
- By entering the symbol-numeric combination *#*#86583#*#*;
- Through the mobile device settings. To do this, go to the “SIM cards and mobile networks", where in the corresponding item switch the "slider" to the active state.
In order to disable VoLTE on Xiaomi, just do the reverse operations.
Advantages of VoLTE:
Disadvantages of VoLTE
The technology is not widely used for the following main reasons:
- Putting increased stress on mobile device. To reduce it, it is necessary to implement new algorithm work at the chipset level;
- The need to switch to "Volte" mobile operators.
Causes of problems
Due to poor technology adoption, the VoLTE function on Xiaomi may not be supported, which may be explained by:
- Lack of technology certification in the country of use of the Xiaomi smartphone;
- The phone does not support this function.
