VoLTE (Voice over Long Term Evolution) is the next stage in VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, which enables you to make traditional voice calls over an internet connection. Here’s all you need to know about VoLTE.

What is VoLTE?

Put simply, VoLTE allows you to make traditional voice calls (as opposed to Skype or WhatsApp calls, for example) over a wireless, LTE internet network. This means that a traditional landline is not needed.

However, users can still use and be reached on a specific phone number and don’t need a specialised app with calling capabilities. This makes it different from apps that use your normal data connection.

VoLTE calls can be made to other subscribers on any network regardless if they are provisioned for the service or not and if not provisioned, (in 2G or 3G coverage) calls are still possible but the VoLTE benefit will not be experienced end to end.

The benefits of VoLTE

Unlike traditional voice calls using 2G or 3G connections that are circuit based, VoLTE uses an LTE (4G) connection and an IP packet-switching technology, this results in higher quality voice calls and low latency, meaning faster call setup times.

VoLTE is also not part of your data bundle and therefore won’t come out of your monthly data allocation. Rather, this service is part of your voice minutes.

How to enable VoLTE on Android

How to enable VoLTE on iOS

Does my phone offer VoLTE?

To use VoLTE on Vodacom, you need:

• a compatible device that supports VoLTE on the Vodacom network
• the correct version of software approved by Vodacom
• the VoLTE service provisioned on your phone’s SIM card

Most recent devices are 4G compatible, but you will need to check your phone’s specifications to make sure. Call Vodacom’s Customer Care on 082 135 to find out if you’re provisioned for VoLTE.

How do I activate VoLTE?

To enable VoLTE, go to your phone’s settings. Depending on your phone type and operating system, the exact menu may differ. Check under your mobile network settings, your voice and data settings, or your general network settings, and make sure 4G or VoLTE is enabled.

There are a few signs that VoLTE calling is enabled on your device. These include: 

• A logo on your screen that says VoLTE
• When making or receiving a call, the 4G logo remains on the screen and does not change to 3G
• A logo of two arrows pointing left and right parallel to each other in a horizontal arrangement

For more information about Vodacom's VoLTE, go to Vodacom’s website.

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