Mobile Telephony: VoLTE Technology for Enhanced Call Quality

In recent times, you may have noticed a small icon labeled “VoLTE” appearing on your smartphone screen, positioned in the upper right corner alongside the network reception icon. This indicator signifies that your phone is utilizing Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, which enables voice calls to be conducted over the 4G LTE network rather than the older 2G or 3G networks.

The rollout of VoLTE technology is gradually taking place in Mauritius, coinciding with the increasing compatibility of smartphones.

This explains the recent appearance of the icon on your mobile device.

VoLTE technology comes with multiple benefits. Firstly, it significantly enhances call quality. VoLTE provides superior audio quality compared to traditional calls made over 2G or 3G networks, thanks to the use of high-definition voice codecs.

Additionally, VoLTE facilitates faster connections; calls made using this technology connect more swiftly than those on 2G or 3G networks.

A notable advantage of VoLTE is the ability to browse the internet while on a call.

Unlike calls made using older technology, VoLTE allows users to continue using mobile data services, such as internet browsing, during the conversation.

Furthermore, VoLTE offers improved coverage in areas where 4G signals are stronger than those for 2G or 3G, thereby maintaining a stable connection for calls.

Lastly, VoLTE technology enhances energy efficiency, as it utilizes a single network for both data and voice transmission, which can often be less demanding on devices’ batteries.

However, VoLTE technology also presents some drawbacks. One significant limitation is compatibility; not all phones support VoLTE.

Users must have a compatible device and access to a network that supports this technology.

In Mauritius, both Emtel and Mauritius Telecom confirm that VoLTE is available on their respective mobile networks.

Additionally, VoLTE requires stable 4G coverage; in areas with weak or absent 4G signals, calls may either not connect or automatically switch to 2G or 3G, resulting in reduced call quality.

Moreover, VoLTE does consume a small amount of data to transmit voice, which, although minimal, could be a concern for users with limited data plans.

The implementation of VoLTE can also be costly for telecom operators, as it often requires substantial investments in infrastructure and maintenance.

Nevertheless, this additional cost does not affect the call prices for users—both Mauritius Telecom and Emtel offer VoLTE voice calls at the same rates as those on 2G and 3G networks.

Lastly, there can be occasional compatibility issues with VoLTE calls between different operators, which might impact call quality.

For users interested in activating or deactivating VoLTE on their smartphones, it is possible to do so through the settings menu, provided that the device is compatible with the technology and that the operator has deployed it.

Conversely, if your smartphone has automatically switched to VoLTE and you prefer to disable it, you can also opt to do so.

As VoLTE technology continues to emerge, it promises to enhance the mobile calling experience for users while also highlighting the need to address its limitations for broader accessibility.

Source: Defi Media