Difference between LTE and VoLTE

We all are pretty aware that this era is a digital era. The 21^st century is known for its out-of-the-box inventions and discoveries. This era has given us standards for living. There was a transition from 2G to 3G mobile networks generation. We have also seen 4G mobile technology coming into existence. It has completely changed the definition of mobile phones. The two terms LTE and VoLTE are associated with the 4G. In this article, we will see the exact difference between LTE and VoLTE.

With the earliest generations, the use of mobile phones was very mere and it was limited only up to calling and performing arithmetic calculations. But now mobiles have become the fourth basic need of human beings. Eventually, the video calling facility has made mobile phones “Superhero”. It gave an emotional touch to every Indian Heart. This is how LTE and VoLTE came into existence.

Every one of us has a 4G network in our cell phones. A couple of years ago, it was considered a milestone for India. But now it has become very normal. As said, every phone prefers 4G over 2G/3G. Now the question is that we all see the LTE/VoLTE symbol in the top right corner of our cell. So what is the exact difference between them? How they vary from each other? What is its meaning? Answers to all these questions have been attempted in this article.

Let’s start with!!

Firstly let us see the history of mobile networks. Telia Sonera was the first one to launch to 4G mobile networks. Late in 2009, in the city centres of Stockholm and Oslo. A year later, 4G was launched in Finland. In 2014 Telia Sonera offered 4G services in 10 countries. On 10 April 2012, Airtel launched 4G services through dongles and modems using TD-LTE technology in Kolkata and became the first company in India to offer 4G services. This is how 4G came into existence. And the world celebrated the new comfort.

LTE vs VoLTE

The difference between LTE and VoLTE is summarised in the following table.

What is LTE?

4G is the fourth generation of data technology for mobile networks. It is a mobile internet standard. LTE means Long Term Evolution. You must be wondering why 4G is coming in between LTE. So let me clear that LTE is another name for 4G. The 4G network is 4 to 5 times faster than 3G technology.

LTE will only provide you with surfing over the internet. You won’t be able to dial call over the internet i.e. video call through LTE network. To do so you will need some external software like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Skype. Theoretically speaking, LTE supports a download speed of 100 bits of MBits per second and an upload speed of 50 MBits per second. LTE is at present the fastest data transfer technology and soon it may become the most dominant among all the mobile Internet technologies being used around the globe.

What is VoLTE?

VoLTE is a mobile technology where you can access audio (voice) and data over the cellular network. VoLTE means Voice over LTE. Here, unlike LTE, your call quality will not be declined if mobile data remains on. In simple words, VoLTE provides you access for internet surfing at the same time calling purpose is fulfilled without using any external software.

VoLTE helps you to connect faster to the higher frequencies. You can enjoy your video call without disturbance. The use of VoLTE will save the phone’s battery. It will give you high-quality voice calls, high definition video calls, tough battery life since there is no network switching between 2G/3G/LTE, instant call connection, and quick flipping between voice and video calls without any buffer.

So after reading the above points, you will also agree that VoLTE has an edge over LTE in terms of internet, speed, voice quality, surfing, and mobile compatibility …indeed everything!! These were all the basic points about LTE and VoLTE. It is hoped that the difference between LTE and VoLTE is clear to you all.

Author
Shraddha Changune
SVKM’s Institute of Technology, Dhule

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