VoLTE service. New opportunities with VoLTE at 4G+ speed

What is VoLTE technology and why is it needed?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE - literally “voice over LTE”) is a fourth generation communication technology that allows you to make calls over 4G networks.

Until recently, even in a 4G coverage area, calls were made according to the following scheme: the phone switched from 4G mode to 3G or 2G, packet data transmission stopped until the end of the call, after which it resumed. Now, thanks to VoLTE technology, data transmission does not stop, and the call takes place directly over 4G networks.

As we can see from the graph, VoLTE technology is gaining more and more popularity around the world.

Less than a year ago she reached Russia. At the moment, four major operators are providing it: Megafon, MTS, Beeline and Tele2 . Megafon was one of the first to begin transmitting voice signals via LTE and is rightfully considered one of the leaders in high-quality transmission of voice signals.

At the moment, VoLTE technology is available only in Moscow and the Moscow region . When going roaming, it is recommended to disable VoLTE in the phone settings in order to reduce the load on the phone, which will search for 4G if this is not deactivated.

Many may have a question: if the technology uses a 4G connection, does this mean that you can make free calls over the Internet? and is traffic used during a voice connection?

The technology works like 3G, it works automatically and does not require a separate connection. However, not all smartphones support it. Below you can find a list of smartphones that support VoLTE technology:

• iPhone - starting from iPhone 6 and above;
• Google Nexus - starting with the Nexus 5 model;
• Samsung - starting with Galaxy S4;
• Sony Xperia - starting with Xperia Z2, as well as many other phones.

Development prospects

Despite the many difficulties and obstacles faced in the implementation of VoLTE, the future of the new technology seems very promising, especially considering that the advent of 5G networks is just around the corner. The main obstacle to the development of the standard - the lack of an appropriate legal framework in Russian legislation - has already been successfully eliminated, and now the matter is up to the leading mobile operators, as well as the users themselves.

However, one should not expect rapid spread of VoLTE, especially in the regions. There are still too few devices in the hands of cellular network subscribers that can work with this technology; secondly, there is still no complete and final agreement between operators regarding the transition to a single standard. The victory of VoLTE can only be expected if uniform principles are created and adopted by all operators, and also provided that the standard manages to withstand competition with services providing OTT voice services.

Now it is difficult to imagine the modern world without cellular communications. If you remember its development history, it is not that long. It started in the 80s. These were first generation networks that used analogue systems. Digital technologies began to appear in the early 90s. At the moment, 4G networks are widespread. One of its capabilities will be discussed in the article - this is VoLTE technology, which is still young and is only gaining momentum in Russia.

Someone will object that they already use 4G, and there is nothing unusual about it. Now only packet data is transmitted over LTE networks, that is, the Internet is provided. Conversations are carried out through 3G networks. With each call, the phone has to switch from one mode to another.

It is currently in the implementation stage. We are only at the beginning of the journey, but once upon a time LTE was perceived as something unusual. The new technology has a number of advantages, so switching to it will take communications to a new level.

There are several disadvantages that greatly limit its use. This is primarily the fact that its implementation in a smartphone must be decided at the chipset level. At the moment, a small number of devices support this technology. These are mainly flagships from popular manufacturers: iPhone, Sony, Samsung, LG

and their price is above average. The second disadvantage is that for high-quality communication, all subscribers must use VoLTE. Otherwise, no one will notice the benefits.

Advantages

1. High sound quality compared to others : second and third generation networks use a limit on transmission speed and sound quality - up to 16 Kbps. The use of HD Voice technologies in VoLTE technology allows you to improve sound quality, add volume to your voice and reduce the amount of interference and noise.
2. Possibility of simultaneous data and voice transmission : in 2 and 3G networks, operators did not allow simultaneous calls and use of Internet services, since this increased the load on the network and significantly reduced the quality of communication. Now it is possible to transmit voice via LTE directly due to less intensive manipulations with transmission networks.
3. Reduced network load: Voice over LTE technology can reduce network load by 3 times compared to 3G transmission and 6 times compared to 2G. This is due to the larger amount of data that telephone base stations can receive. The lower the communication generation, the less data is subject to simultaneous processing.
4. Faster connection speed : When using 4G, while making a call, the phone had to switch to 2/3G mode depending on the person being called. This transition can take up to twenty seconds. With VoLTE technology there is no need for this transition, and the connection occurs in 2-4 seconds.

Flaws

But VoLTE also has disadvantages that are invisible at first glance:

1. Increasing the load on the phone : in order to handle the simultaneous load of receiving a call and transmitting data, the phone must have powerful hardware, so only users of the latest generations of smartphones can use VoLTE technology.
2. The need for both subscribers to be able to call via VoLTE : no, those who use VoLTE can make calls to other networks, but then the declared sound quality, which is positioned as an advantage, is not guaranteed. When using different networks, the connection speed will increase, Internet access will be open, but the sound quality will remain the same.

On a phone without VoLTE support, it simply will not connect, even if the SIM card has capabilities.

How VoLTE MegaFon works

The VoLTE function name stands for “Voice over LTE”. Translated from English this means “Voice over LTE”. LTE or Long-Term Evolution - high-speed Internet access. This standard is also known as 4G.

Connecting via LTE is much faster and more stable than Internet access using a standard 3G network or legacy 2G.

The VoLTE option takes advantage of the speed advantage that a 4G connection provides. If available, audio data received during a call is transmitted via an LTE connection.

As a result, delays and glitches during calls disappear, and the voice of the interlocutor on the other end of the line sounds clear and distinct. This is due to the fact that the sound is transmitted in HD format, since the capabilities of 4G networks allow large amounts of data to be transmitted without delay.

The technology was first introduced in 2014 by the Singaporean company SingTel. In Russia, the standard was launched in 2022.

MegaFon announced VoLTE support only in 2022. Already in February, the technology began to be distributed in the regions, and now it is available throughout the entire territory of the operator’s presence, except for the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

How to start using

To start using VoLTE technology, you just need to buy a Megafon SIM card and have a phone that supports it. Most SIM cards currently sold are equipped with the latest generation networks, which are activated when they enter the coverage area.

To find out whether your SIM card supports 4G technology, you can use the service command *570#[call button].

To make calls over 4G you need to change your phone settings:

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Data Options → Enable LTE → Voice & Data.
• LG Stylus 3, LG X Power 2, LG K10 2022: Settings → Networks → Advanced → Mobile networks → VoLTE.
• Samsung Galaxy: VoLTE is automatically enabled in the new firmware. Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → VoLTE calls.
• Sony Xperia: VoLTE is automatically enabled in the new firmware. Settings → More → Mobile network → Enable VoLTE or Notification panel → Quick settings → Enable VoLTE.

You can determine that you are on a 4G coverage network and making a call through it by the following icons on the phone screen:

• iPhone: "LTE" icon appears on screen during LTE call
• LG:
• Samsung Galaxy:
• Sony Xperia:

Disabling VoLTE

Some people prefer to disable all modules that for some reason are not used. Deactivating VoLTE does not make sense, because this function does not consume additional amounts of energy. On the contrary, this technology will save battery power if the operator suddenly starts supporting it.

However, it is very easy to disable VoLTE. To do this, follow the path: “Settings -> Connections -> Mobile networks -> VoLTE calls”

. Here all that remains is to deactivate the corresponding switch. Please note that the path may differ on some smartphones.

general information

First, let's note what VoLTE Megafon means. This is a new generation of voice communications that allows you to transfer calls over a high-speed network. The use of technology is characterized by the following advantages:

• Making a call and using the Internet at the same time;
• The connection is faster;
• Instant dialing - in two seconds;
• Free service that does not require connection;
• Improved call quality.

Has the VoLTE Megafon icon appeared? This means that your device and SIM card meet the stated requirements. We will describe the parameters in detail below.

Offers

We discussed what it is - VoLTE in the Megafon phone. Let's talk about the tariffs offered by the operator, within the framework of which the option is supported.

Inside the “Turn On!” line users can use all technical capabilities - calls and Internet are not charged additionally. Let's take a quick look at the tariff plans.

Listen:

• 300 minutes;
• 15 GB;
• Unlimited instant messengers and music;
• 550 rubles monthly.

Chat:

• 600 minutes;
• 15 GB;
• 600 rub./month;
• Unlimited traffic (when connecting to the service).

Look:

• 800 minutes;
• 20 GB;
• 800 rubles per month;
• Unlimited Internet (as part of an additional service).

Look+:

• 1500 minutes;
• 1000 rubles;
• Unlimited network access.

Let's briefly discuss how to enable VoLTE Megafon in iPhone smartphones:

• Open settings;
• Select “Cellular Communications”;
• Open "Data Options";
• Click on “Enable LTE”;
• Select Voice & Data.

Activation in smartphones running on the Android operating system:

• Open "Settings";
• Go to the “Connection” block;
• Select the line “Mobile networks”;
• Move the slider.

Let's talk about how to disable the function on Android:

• Use the instructions above;
• In the last step, select "Disable".

Stop using it on iPhone:

• Follow all the steps in the instructions up to the “Enable LTE” item;
• Click on "Off" or "Data only".

We warn you! Menu items may be named slightly differently on different phones!

Connection settings

The technology is adapted for most modern smartphones. A complete list of devices that support the option can be found on the operator’s website - https://moscow.megafon.ru/help/faq/chto-takoe-volte.html.

Make sure your smartphone is included in this list. The settings are enabled by default, but if automatic activation does not occur, read how to connect VoLTE Megafon on this page - https://moscow.megafon.ru/help/faq/kak-nastroit-volte.html.

Don't forget to check your SIM card settings:

• Open the keyboard;
• Dial *507#;
• Make sure your SIM supports the 4G standard.

If the card does not suit you, you can change it for free at any operator's communication store.

It happens that VoLTE Megafon does not work - study the list of features of the service to avoid connection problems:

• Works only within the 4G network in the home region;
• The option is incompatible with the following services: Personal dial tone, MultiFon Business, MAS, VATS, SuperAON, eMotion, Express dialing, Call at a friend's expense;
• When using a smartphone with two SIM cards, you may need to install an operator card in the main slot;
• The technology will not work if you are using a smartphone that does not support the service.

Find out how VoLTE works in MTS networks.

Russian operators

If smartphone manufacturers already fully support voice transmission over LTE, the same cannot be said about telecom operators. In Russia, it is still more profitable to use equipment that works with networks of previous generations, reserving 4G only for Internet traffic. Progress in this area is being made, but very slowly. Here's how things stand for different Russian operators:

• MegaFon
  launched VoLTE, but only in Moscow. Moreover, this function was initially only allowed to be activated by owners of smartphones and Apple. At the time of writing, the list of devices has expanded to almost 40 models, including synchronization with VoLTE available on, ZTE V8, Vertex Saturn and LG G6.
• MTS
  is only testing new technology. Press releases have repeatedly stated that commercial operation of VoLTE will be launched in 2018. It is assumed that the new type of communication will be available not only in Moscow.
• Beeline
  gave its Moscow subscribers the opportunity to try VoLTE back in 2015. But testing ended quickly, and since then there has been no news. They say that owners using Beeline services will soon be able to speak via VoLTE, but these are just rumors.
• Tele2
  launched a new type of communication in April 2022, but only in Moscow. The list of supported smartphones is strictly limited. Moreover, you can feel the “super quality” of your voice only when talking within the network.

VoLTE: what is this icon on the phone? How to enable/disable VoLTE?

Good time!
Today, probably, right off the bat: what is VoLTE ? ☝

VoLTE (or “Voice over LTE”) is a special. technology for voice transmission over LTE networks (calls on a 4G network!). At the moment, the technology is actively developing and is supported by almost all operators in our country.

It is worth noting that VoLTE provides much higher quality voice communications compared to 3G and especially GSM (in general, this explains its popularization). Therefore, it is quite modern and promising!

In general, to find out whether you have this technology enabled on your smartphone, just pay attention to the status bar (usually, the VoLTE icon is located next to other network icons, a clock, etc., see screenshot below