If you notice the VoLTE symbol appearing in your phone’s notification bar at the top of the screen, you may be wondering what it means and whether it indicates a problem or change in how calls are made.

In fact, this symbol is associated with a relatively new technology that has become an essential part of mobile communication networks, allowing voice calls to be made over 4G LTE networks.

VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE, which translates as “voice calls over the LTE network.” It’s a technology that relies on sending sound in the form of digital data within the 4G network, rather than relying on the traditional communication method used in some older mobile networks.

How does VoLTE work?

When making a call using VoLTE, the speaker’s voice is converted into digital data and divided into small packets. These are then sent over the mobile network to the other party. Once these packets arrive, they are reassembled and converted back into audible sound.

This method differs from how older communication networks worked, which relied on creating a direct and stable connection path between the two parties involved in the call. This approach consumed part of the network’s capacity and, in some cases, could disrupt or slow down internet usage during the call.

One of the most prominent advantages of VoLTE is that it allows users to make calls and use data connections at the same time. This means they can browse the internet, use apps or download maps while talking on the phone without having to end the call.

What about 5G networks?

With the spread of fifth-generation networks, similar technologies for making voice calls over 5G have emerged. Among them are Vo5G and VoNR, which stand for “Voice over New Radio,” meaning voice calls made using 5G’s new radio technology.

These technologies also rely on sending sound in the form of data packets, with a difference in the network infrastructure used. The availability of the technology depends on the phone, the telecommunications company and the network to which the device is connected.

If the phone supports VoNR but cannot use the service due to issues related to network settings, software or the cellular tower, the call may be transferred to VoLTE or to calls over Wi-Fi if these options are supported.

Does VoLTE differ from WhatsApp and FaceTime calls?

Although both rely on transmitting sound as data, VoLTE is not like VoIP calls provided by apps such as WhatsApp and FaceTime.

In app calls, the connection usually goes through service servers before reaching the other party. In contrast, VoLTE relies on the telecommunications company’s own network infrastructure.

Users can check for VoLTE or 5G voice call support by going into the phone’s settings, then to the Mobile Network or Calls section. The name and location of this option may vary from device to device.

Therefore, if a VoLTE symbol appears on the phone, it does not indicate an error or warning; rather, it usually means that voice calls are being made over the LTE network using this technology, which provides better integration between calls and data services.

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