Yes, VoLTE calls do work with the data switched off.

To understand how this is possible we need to understand what happens in a traditional VoIP call and a VoLTE call. It might appear that VoIP and VoLTE work the same way but there is a difference between their network requirements and between how each of it is implemented. We can find both pros and cons for each of them, and they can be picked based on the user requirement and available resources.

What is voIP?

VoIP is short form for Voice over Internet Protocol. It enables people to make calls over the internet.

How does voice over IP work?

VoIP converts voice data into packets and transfers them using the internet, be it mobile data or Wi-Fi data. These packets of voice data travel like any other type of data, such as e-mail, over Internet using Internet Protocol (IP) network.

Voice over IP Applications

The voice over IP technology is used by many popular VoIP applications like Skype, FaceTime, Facebook messenger, Viber etc., enabling internet calling for its users. There are many popular apps that provide voice over phone services too. Another common usage by service providers is to facilitate free ‘same network’ calling as part of our monthly bundles.

VoIP technology and Services

Voice over IP technology allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a phone line. Some VoIP service providers may only allow you to call other people using the same VoIP service provider, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a valid telephone number.

How does Voice over IP technology work?

Voice over technology converts our voice into digital signal packets that travel over the Internet. The conversion of the voice packet depends on the type of phone you are calling to. When we call a regular phone number, the signal gets converted to a telephone signal and is sent. VoIP allows us to make calls directly from a computer, or a VoIP phone, or a landline phone with the help of a special adapter.

Main Uses of VoIP Technology

VoIP technology is considered as the most effective way of voice calling to communicate globally. This technology can make your daily life easy. If you have a super fast internet service, you can make voice calls around the world with VoIP technology at extremely economic and competitive price. The advanced technology from Kirusa has brought revolutionary changes in the field of voice communication. You can have 4 different numbers from 4 different countries and call using them from the comfort of your home.

Now let’s see at what VoLTE is all about.

What is VoLTE?

The term Voice over LTE, popularly known as VoLTE, is Voice over Long Term Evolution. When using VoLTE mobile operators are actually transmitting both voice and data over a packet-switched LTE network. To put it in another way, voice calls and regular browsing data are both converted iton data packets and are transmitted in the same way as emails, WhatsApp messages, and all other Internet-based communications are.

How does VoLTE work?

On a VoLTE call, voice calls are converted into packets of information, sent over the full data stream and then reconstructed back at the receiver’s end. The result being voice information carried over a higher bandwidth, leading to better call quality.

Benefits of VoLTE

The main benefit of VoLTE is if you are on a VoLTE connection then you will be able to access data and voice call at the same time i.e., you can talk to a person and browse on the net at the same time. Other benefits being:

Less Call set up time. You will not hear a beeping sound while your call connects, but this is possible only if both the users have an access to a VoLTE network on both the sides of the call. We can also make High Definition calls. Another technical advantage would be unlike 2G and 3G networks, where voice is transmitted over circuits. The world is shifting to VoLTE owing to its advanced features and convenience.

Difference between Voice over IP and Voice over LTE

In case of VoIP, popular VoIP applications like Skype and Google Voice rely on Internet to deliver voice packets by sending them to cloud and wait for them to be transferred based on the network traffic. The problem is that Internet delivery is usually done on a “best effort” basis. On the other hand, VoLTE uses the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and new radio access network features benefits being low latency, less dependency on mobile data and other features like better voice and video quality.

Limitations of VoLTE

VoLTE requires both participants of the call to have a 4G network accessible which would potentially mean that VoLTE calls won’t always be available. Also, if someone moves out of 4G coverage area during the call, there’s a chance that the call might be dropped. Also, Depending on how different networks implement it, there may or may not be network interoperability at first, so initially you may only be able to use VoLTE to call people on the same network as you.

Finally, yes, we can still make VoLTE calls with the data switched off. In a VoLTE based call both data and voice are sent as IP packets over the network, making it possible to make calls even with data switched off, the reason being separate bearer packets are created for voice and data. So, how is that implemented?

Voice and data are divided into separate packets and they travel through different protocols assigned to them. When you switch off the mobile data, the data packets get blocked, but voice packets can still be transferred. On the other side, VoIP needs data/Internet to make, receive calls hence many VoIP applications like Skype, Hangouts depend on the internet to make/receive calls.