4G VoLTE vs Older 2G/3G Voice Networks: What’s the Fuss About?

Here’s why all telecom operators will eventually have to shift to 4G VoLTE and you will have to get a new phone.

4G VoLTE is the future of telecom in India.

(Photo: The Quint)

If you had to make a phone call, I’m sure you wouldn’t worry about what technology goes behind making that call, as long as you get clear voice with uninterrupted connectivity. However, to make such a call, legacy networks today are struggling to keep up quality of service (QoS), with increasing network congestion.

That’s where 4G VoLTE (Voice over long-term evolution) technology has a distinct advantage – and could make calls even cheaper (or, as in the case of Reliance Jio, free).

Why then is there resistance to adopting this technology? Legacy telecom operators in India are up in arms against the recent cut in interconnect usage charge (IUC) by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. This IUC is what got them revenue for carrying calls on their networks. So how is 4G VoLTE better?

Advantages of 4G VoLTE

While there is initial resistance from incumbent operators to switch to 4G VoLTE, they will eventually have to, as there are distinct advantages to the technology. Which means, you and I can enjoy better call connectivity.
Also read: Jio Phone First Look: Why So Much Buzz Over a Feature Phone?

Clearer Voice Calls

VoLTE, as the name suggests, transmits voice calls over a data network. Calls are chopped into packets just like how GPRS (general packet radio service) or Internet data is transmitted. This results in much higher quality of calls, as there is very little transmission loss (and hence lower call quality). That’s why some operators call this HD voice quality.

Calls Can Be Cheap or Free

The whole issue of an interconnect usage charge is negated if all operators shift to a VoLTE based system, as the technology will be common. There won’t be any differentiation between voice and data. Voice calls carried over data use very little data bandwidth (typically less than 400 Kb for calls). It’s because of this that operators like Reliance Jio are offering unlimited free calls on the service.

Also if all operators are on the same technology, others will not have to install equipment to convert data calls into voice calls.

Easier Connectivity

4G VoLTE uses the 800 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2,300 MHz bands of spectrum. But unlike voice networks, which have to block off one band to make a call go through and channel data across another band, VoLTE can send both voice and data over the same band simultaneously. This allows for quicker call connectivity. Also these bands can reach further than traditional voice networks, hence you get better coverage. They can also be paired with Wi-Fi networks easily.

Downsides to Pure VoLTE

There are some downsides to pure VoLTE right now. To maintain high quality of service, constant network connectivity is required. If there is a drop in network, a voice call cannot fall back on legacy 3G or 2G systems, and hence the call could drop. However, since VoLTE has better coverage, seamless connectivity can be established with fewer towers than traditional voice networks.

The other thing is not all handsets support 4G VoLTE right now. Although the technology is gaining popularity, older phones may not be able to make or receive calls using 4G VoLTe. You will need a handset that is compliant with this technology.

The downsides, though, are only temporary.

For consumers, it is only going to get better, with other telecom operators now thinking of shifting to VoLTE technology. The advantage they will have though, is the ability to fall back on 2G/3G when needed. That’s something new players like Reliance Jio don’t have. So operators like Airtel and Vodafone shouldn’t despair that the investments made in voice networks are wasted. There is still use for voice systems as well. That’s something these operators can capitalise on to help provide better connectivity to consumers.

And, of course, calls will get even cheaper – perhaps even free like Jio is offering – as more consumers shift to using data on their mobiles.

Also read: Decoded: The Stunning Numbers Behind Reliance JioPhone