Surely some of the readers have already seen or heard the combination of letters VoLTE. Let's figure out what it hides underneath and how relevant it is today in Russia.
What is VoLTE?
VoLTE has a simple definition - it is a voice transmission technology in LTE networks (the second name is 4G). Accordingly, it is available only 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 addressee to addressee in the form of a data stream in LTE networks, which leads to its higher capacity and higher quality than when making a call using 2G or 3G.
VoLTE translation fully complies with the definition. Letter combination means Voice over LTE, which translates from English as "voice over LTE".
The technology is not super new - it was presented by the Singapore 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.
Technology advantages
Answering the question: "What is VoLTE?", Let us touch on the most important advantages of the invention:
- Each call to the subscriber will be 2 seconds shorter - this is how much it takes to switch the smartphone from 4G to 3G mode when making a call to the addressee. Now the gadget does not need to do this manipulation.
- Improving the quality of communication, minimizing interference, voice distortion.
- While subscribers are talking using LTE VoLTE, their gadgets can transmit data at the maximum speed of 4G - as you remember, there is no need for devices to "go down" to 3G.
- An increase in the number of subscribers who will be able to simultaneously maintain communication with one tower - a base station. This advantage, so far noticed only by telecom operators, will be remembered by subscribers with a kind word on the New Year and other holidays - many are faced with the fact that they cannot get through to the chimes to their relatives and friends just because of the exorbitant load on the aforementioned 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, which 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 settlements. Therefore, on the highway, in nature and recreation centers, in villages, etc., communication may be lost. To call a certain subscriber, the user will have to manually switch his smartphone to 3G or even EDGE, GPRS - to the mode that is supported in the area. It is possible that gadget developers will soon "teach" their devices to perform this action automatically if necessary.
VoLTE in Russia
In Russia, the new technology today is in the following status:
- The large Russian operator Megafon provides its subscribers living in Moscow and the Moscow region VoLTE technology... It is not available to all owners of gadgets that support 4G, but only to those who have some iPnone, Sony and a number of other manufacturers. The service "Call in 4G" (also known as "HD voice in 4G") is automatically activated for them. If this does not happen, then 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 official website of the company. 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 +) and Sony Xperia XZs.
- Tele2 operator has also made it possible to make calls using VoLTE technology for Moscow subscribers. However, he did it selectively - so far only for owners of devices released directly by Tele2: Midi LTE, Maxi LTE, Maxi Plus. Activate the service at this operator simple - you just need to dial the command * 219 * 1 #. Some users were able to manually configure the voice transmission on their phones powered by 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 take a closer look at the innovation using the example of a number of telecom operators.
VoLTE and Megafon
The first in Russia to receive an answer to the question: "What is VoLTE?" Subscribers of "Megafon" were able to. In September 2016, the owners of Sony Xperia (X, X Compact, X Performance, XZ) began to use the innovative technology.
In April 2017, it was the turn of the owners of the latest models of iPhones, on whose phones the OS update was installed no later than 10.3.1. The service is provided by default free of charge to subscribers of the entire line of megaphone tariff plans.
VoLTE technology for regional MTS subscribers
If Beeline, Megafon and Tele2 have not yet announced that they are planning to access VoLTE regions in their networks, then MTS is sharing news about the prospects for a much larger-scale launch of the technology. Already in 2017, the invention is expected to be tested in a number of regions of Russia: St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk and Vladivostok. Their inhabitants will soon try on themselves what it is - VoLTE.
As already mentioned, the operator made available to subscribers of the capital and the Moscow region Wi-Fi technology Calling. It happened in November 2016 - the technology was open only for 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, too, will soon learn everything about VoLTE: what it is and what it is "eaten" with.
The situation with the iPhone is ambiguous - latest models such devices by default support VoLTE, but they work in the networks of a cellular operator only after giving direct permission from Apple to MTS.
VoLTE to iPhone
Today, the mentioned technology is available to owners of iPhone 6 and newer. We will tell you how to implement detailed setting VoLTE on these phones:
- Go to the "General" section in the phone settings, find the "Software update" item. Once in it, make sure 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. Supports VoLTE operator version not lower than 28.3 (for "Megafon", "Beeline"). Upgrade to this level if possible.
- After rebooting, you should re-enter "Settings" - "Cellular". In the item "Data Options" in the "Voice and Data" tab, check the box for LTE.
- 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 at the same time, and the Internet is working properly, then you are in this moment tried the new Voice over LTE technology.
VoLTE is the latest technology for voice transmission in modern smartphones with 4G support - the fastest Internet from cellular operators... The invention allows not only to improve the quality of communication and connection speed, but also to increase the capabilities of the base stations of telecom operators.
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 around the world at your home rate.
Speed. VoLTE provides almost instant - 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 in 2G and 3G networks.
Quality. The clarity of the voice of your interlocutor will be at the level of HD Voice, that is, as if you are talking with him, being in the same room.
And one more thing… VoLTE gives you the ability to simultaneously talk and use data transmission in the 4G network. You can also start a call on the street, via LTE, and end it at home, on your Wi-Fi network. We are so clever at switching the conversation between networks that you will not even notice anything. - 02
How much will it cost to connect and use VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?
The fact that you are using such opportunities is not at all. VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling 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 easier. Wi-Fi calling has been working on your device for a long time. Just make sure you have it connected. How to do it is scheduled. On the same link you will find the entire list of devices on which VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling are available. Huawei, Sony, Motorola, Highscreen, LG, Alcatel and, of course, MTS have models supporting these technologies (or one of them).
- 05
OK. How do you connect it on an iPhone?
Both VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling are now available on models Apple smartphones starting with iPhone 6 / SE and newer. Wi-Fi calling is available starting from iPhone models 5S. To connect, you need to update the software on your gadget to iOS version 11.3.
- 06
Do you need to include any service?
Your number must have a free Internet Calls service activated. 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 at your rate
- 07
And the last thing: why does MTS need it, if it does not bring extra money?
It's just cool! Of course, it could be said that MTS thus increases throughput networks by transferring part of the traffic to a less loaded 4G network or stimulates consumption mobile internet, blah-blah-blah ... But most of all we want our subscribers to be comfortable and convenient. We tried it - we liked it.
With the development of digital technologies, the need for high-speed wireless connection is constantly increasing. In order to organize such a connection in cellular networks the communication standard LTE (Long Term Evolution - long-term development) was developed. It is compatible with previous generations of 3G networks based on UMTS / HSPA and CDMA, therefore, it can be implemented without cardinal infrastructure redesign. But a significant disadvantage of LTE is the inability to use switched (telephone) voice communications. To work with calls on LTE networks, the phone must switch to 3G to establish a voice connection, or support VoLTE technology.
VoLTE is a technology for transmitting voice over LTE networks (decoding Voice over LTE and translated as “voice over LTE”). It allows you to perform traditional phone calls in these networks, without resorting to switching communication technology (the so-called FallBack). At the moment, the technology is in the stage of development and active implementation. When operators implement full-fledged VoLTE support for all subscribers, it will allow organizing better voice communication, as it has clear advantages over 3G and, moreover, GSM.
Unfortunately, the VoLTE protocol is not devoid of several drawbacks. The main one is increasing the load on the smartphone. To avoid it, you need to implement an operation algorithm at the chipset level. For this reason, the technology is not supported by many existing devices. It has been implemented in iPhones since 5s, Sony flagships, LG, Samsung, Google nexus... As for the Chinese manufacturers - here it is necessary to clarify.
Another disadvantage of VoLTE is the need for all operators to switch to using it. Subscriber's LTE connection with 2G and 3G users is complex on technical level procedure. Therefore, the normal operation of the technology is possible only if all operators implement it, and 4G will become the dominant generation of networks.
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Digital technologies are developing very quickly, and one of the striking examples of such progress is VoLTE, however, few know what it is in a phone.
In fact, this is a very useful communication standard in our time, which works in cellular networks. It is noteworthy that it is fully compatible with 3G and.
But this is all theory and dry facts. To understand what is at stake and why such a standard is needed at all, it is necessary to understand all its features. This is what we will do!
Designation
VoLTE fully stands for "Voice over Long Term Evolution", which translates as "voice through long-term development." It consists of two parts - "Vo" and "LTE".
Now at all 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 via this standard. In more formal terms, this is a way of transferring data.
Everything is very simple.
Now let's talk about how this technology appeared and what is its purpose.
A bit of history
The first full-fledged issue of VOLTE is dated May 2014. Then the company SingTel, which is based in Singapore, introduced the service in question.
At that time, it only worked in Singapore and did not expand 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 firm in Asia, Europe and the USA. She is a sponsor of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.
SingTel's main areas of activity are cellular, Internet technologies and the so-called Fixed Network.
In addition to the technology under consideration,. This is a small piece of information for your reference.
Let's go back to VoLTE development.
Already in June 2014, the mobile operator in South Korea CT began to provide using this standard.
Following the merger with China Mobile, KT continued to provide the highest quality roaming services in the world at the time. Over time, KPN and iBasis began to offer the same service.
Another major event in the history of VOLTE is dated November of the same year.
Then Verizon and AT&T announced that they would jointly implement 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 that, 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 "advanced" in technical terms states such as Germany, Canada and France, the introduction of the standard is still only planned.
It is completely unclear why other countries and mobile operators do not rush to use VOLTE.
Perhaps this has something to do with the cost of equipment or the banal lack of specialists who could deal with this.
Why VoLTE is needed
There are at least three reasons why specialists from Singapore decided to create new standard data transmission:
- Faster call making. The fact is that any device will be able to call much faster if 4G is connected to it. It does not waste time to switch to 3G, and this is usually about 2-3 seconds. Previously, it was impossible to make calls with 4G, both smartphones and tablets took time to switch to 3G when the user wanted to call. But with the advent of the ability to also transmit voice using 4G, all operations began to be performed much faster.
- Higher quality of communication. The point is that the sound quality with the advent of the technology in question has also become much higher. Users began to hear each other much better. This is really important these days.
- Save data transfer while making a call. Surely, 4G users have repeatedly faced a problem when they receive a call and the Internet is turned off. Now this will not happen.
In general, the meaning in new developments was unambiguously the appearance new technology, by and large, it was a matter of time.
It is worth saying that VoLTE has many advantages, but there are also disadvantages. Let's talk about them.
Benefits
In addition to the higher quality of communication and, 4G has the following positive aspects:
1 Increase in network capacity. In simple terms, this implies that the number of subscribers for one station is increasing. For those who are "not in the subject", let's say that all subscribers of cellular operators are served by base stations. So, when 3G is used, the number of subscribers for each base station is less than when using VoLTE, and as much as 3 times. Usually, due to overloading 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 in 4G there is absolutely no provision for a switching connection, 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, via the Internet. Therefore, if the subscriber uses unlimited Internet, he will not pay a dime 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 services AMR-NB. Even without understanding these terms, you can easily understand that in 4G everything is much better and the voice is "cleaner".
In this world, unfortunately, everything is imperfect, therefore there are also disadvantages in Voice over LTE., and for some they will turn out to be very significant. Let's move on to the negative.
disadvantages
Experts identify three negative moments, and more specifically:
Accordingly, more energy is needed to operate the device, that is, it will take more capacious battery... Or it will be necessary to charge more often or. However, today all such gadgets are "famous" for their terrible battery capacity. In the best case, after six months of using the device, it will have to be charged every day. But if the user also uses VoLTE, after a full charge the battery will last for half a day or even less. You will have to change batteries quite often or achieve reduced power consumption in all sorts of ways (turning off applications and services, cleaning, and so on).
2 The need for a general transition to a new standard by all mobile operators. To ensure normal operation, each operator needs to make a decision 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 a large number conditions. For example, you need to have the appropriate equipment in the area. A third drawback is associated with this.
3 In areas where there are no LTE stations, there will be no connection at all unless you switch to 3G manually. Actually, today there are very few such towers, therefore, 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 ubiquitous is still a long way off.
As we said above, very few operators in a small number of countries have decided to move to the new standard.
Let's summarize all that has been said.
Outcomes
So, VoLTE is a new communication standard, a technology for voice transmission using LTE networks.
In the networks that were used before, this was not possible.
Among other things, the use of such a standard allows you to achieve a higher quality of voice during transmission, as well as complete cancellation of payment for calls.
The reason for the latter is that switching is not used here.
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 migrate to it. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to date.
And yet, Voice over LTE has excellent development prospects!
