What Is ‘VoLTE’ and How Can I Use It Right Now?

What exactly is VoLTE?

Major carriers like AT&T and Verizon are working together to steadily bring Wi-Fi calling and data calling to their customers nationwide, which will improve their call quality as well as increases the area they’ll be able to make them in. This technology is known as VoLTE.

VoLTE, or voice-over-LTE, is the next best advancement in calling for mobile carriers and smartphone users. A number of carriers make references to VoLTE as “HD Voice” in their offerings to their customers. It utilizes either Wi-Fi networks or data networks in order to make and receive high-quality calls.

When will I be able to use VoLTE?

AT&T and Verizon have been working together to bring VoLTE calling to their networks and make calls between the networks seamless. Both networks have been rolling out VoLTE technology since 2014, but have not fully released it to all of their consumers. According to Business Insider, the technology should be readily available starting in 2017, but some lucky customers have already been enjoying these clear quality calls.

VoLTE is only available through these two carriers at the moment. But Business Insider has confirmed that T-Mobile is also working on releasing VoLTE calling, and is “coming soon.”

Which devices have VoLTE access?

As of late, Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL are the newest smartphones that are capable of Verizon HD Voice calling. This innovative calling feature is available on the device alongside a 12.3MP camera, 8MP front-facing camera, 5.5” display with Corning Gorilla Glass 4, and more, all within a glass and aluminum form factor.

iPhones have been utilizing VoLTE technology through FaceTime Audio for quite some time now. Introduced with iOS 7 back in September 2013, FaceTime Audio connects to Wi-Fi or your carrier’s data network to place calls. Beyond the impressive call quality, a majority of consumers prefer to use FaceTime Audio because the calls do not affect the number of minutes on your mobile plan. You can easily access FaceTime Audio either through the FaceTime app or by viewing a specific person’s contact info and clicking on the phone icon for FaceTime.

However, you’re likely more familiar with VoLTE technology through popular apps that include voice and video calling over Wi-Fi like Facebook Messenger, Skype, Google Hangouts, and others. It’s the easiest way to get access to high-quality HD Voice without having to wait for your carrier to make it available to you.

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