Knowledge popularization: What is VoLTE?

Terms such as 4G+, VoLTE, and carrier aggregation are mentioned more and more frequently in operators’ publicity. So what do these professional communication terms actually mean?

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We know that Internet+ refers to "Internet+ various traditional industries", so 4G+, as the name suggests, is faster than 4G. VoLTE improves call quality, and carrier aggregation makes Internet access faster.

Let's focus on VoLTE. Friends who pay attention to mobile phone hardware may have noticed that recently released flagship phones often use VoLTE as a selling point. So, what exactly is VoLTE? What are the benefits?

In fact, VoLTE is mainly an IP data transmission technology based on IMS voice service. Simply put, VoLTE is a call technology based on the 4G network. Data calls are carried through the 4G network. Therefore, a 4G mobile phone that supports VoLTE technology must be used to activate this service.

In other words, VoLTE is an IP data transmission technology that does not require 2G/3G networks. All services are carried on the 4G network, which can unify data and voice services on the same network. In other words, the 4G network not only provides high-speed data services, but also provides high-quality audio and video calls, which requires VoLTE technology to achieve.

For operators, deploying VoLTE means starting the evolution to mobile broadband voice. In the long run, this will bring two values ​​to operators. First, it will improve the utilization rate of wireless spectrum and reduce network costs. Because for voice services, LTE's spectrum utilization efficiency is far better than traditional standards, reaching more than 4 times that of GSM.

For users, the experience of VoLTE is significantly better than that of traditional CS voice. First, the introduction of high-definition voice and video codecs has significantly improved the communication quality; second, the call connection time of VoLTE is greatly shortened. Tests show that VoLTE is more than half shorter than CS calls; third, seamless integration with RCS can bring rich services.

In the iOS 9.2 update, Apple upgraded the carrier version from 23.0 to 23.1. Mobile users can see a new "voice message" function in the dialer app. "This is a feature prepared for VoLTE, which generally has three features: "Call forwarding when unable to connect", "Call forwarding when no one answers" and "Call forwarding when busy". The "answering machine" function is also indispensable, and users can also set the answering language themselves. With only one carrier file, Apple can allow China Mobile network users to use the VoLTE function.

At present, the three major operators have determined the time for the commercialization of VoLTE. China Mobile was the first to make efforts, followed by China Unicom. China Telecom also released a clear commercial timetable, stating that it will be commercialized in 2017. The era of 4G high-definition calls is finally coming!