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When should we expect VoLTE (Voice Over LTE)?


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Old 05-03-2013, 07:20
Satellite John
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Does anybody know when we should expect a commercial deployment of VoLTE (Voice Over LTE) in the UK? Roughly?

What about worldwide?

Thanks for any replies.
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Old 05-03-2013, 07:30
wavejockglw
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This has already been discussed in another thread.

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showt...1800223&page=8

In the USA Metro PCS (now part of T-Mobile) has VoLTE in some markets. Verizon Wireless expects to trial it later in 2013 and offer it in 2014.

Telefonica have just completed some tests in Germany (February 2013), so with the UK rollout of LTE behind others expect VoLTE to be a little later. Best guess is 2014 for some although there is a chance one of the networks might try to introduce it late this year.
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Old 05-03-2013, 13:57
The Lord Lucan
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I feel it will be in the UK before the end of 2013 in some shape or form.. willing to eat my hat if it is not.
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Old 05-03-2013, 14:40
jabbamk1
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South Korea already have it.... right? Pretty sure they had it last year as well? so i don't think it'll be that long until certain UK networks get it now.
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Old 05-03-2013, 15:17
Aye Up
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Is there any real benefit to VoLTE? Other than the decreased battery life? As far as I can see there doesn't seem to be any noticeable improvements over 3G (voice wise).
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Old 05-03-2013, 15:29
jabbamk1
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Is there any real benefit to VoLTE? Other than the decreased battery life? As far as I can see there doesn't seem to be any noticeable improvements over 3G (voice wise).
LTE will be at 800MHz for all networks, not 2100Mhz like 3G is.

Ask wavejock to explain it, he knows how to word this argument perfectly unlike me. Basically all you need to know is that a lower frequency equals a wider coverage range/better building penetration.

Basically it'll be better for those who can't get a signal indoors on 3G. Thankfully most networks have a robust 2G network as backup, but for those like Three who do not then VoLTE will benefit them, and tbh it'll benefit all networks as they'll be able to provide faster data speeds/better signal inside buildings that previously had no signal/2G only.

Also i'm pretty sure there are some improvements to voice. I remember reading about it at least 3 years ago now though haha.
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Old 05-03-2013, 15:35
wavejockglw
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It should also be cheaper for the networks to provide as it uses packet data which is far more efficient than a circuit switched connection as all voice is currently. Bundled minutes may become a thing of the past but will probably remain for marketing purposes to make it easy for users to quantify data use where there are limits.

VoLTE should be a big improvement for most users but I'm not sure if you will need a phone provisioned for it. Someone mentioned that it may be a software upgrade on handsets and if that is the case anyone with an LTE capable phone should be able to use VoLTE but we will have to wait and see what develops. In the USA Metro PCS currently only have one VoLTE capable handset made by LG AFAIK.
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Old 05-03-2013, 15:42
Aye Up
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LTE will be at 800MHz for all networks, not 2100Mhz like 3G is.

Ask wavejock to explain it, he knows how to word this argument perfectly unlike me. Basically all you need to know is that a lower frequency equals a wider coverage range/better building penetration.

Basically it'll be better for those who can't get a signal indoors on 3G. Thankfully most networks have a robust 2G network as backup, but for those like Three who do not then VoLTE will benefit them, and tbh it'll benefit all networks as they'll be able to provide faster data speeds/better signal inside buildings that previously had no signal/2G only.

Also i'm pretty sure there are some improvements to voice. I remember reading about it at least 3 years ago now though haha.
I am aware of the benefits of LTE its VoLTE more specifically I am interested in. I have looked around a few places and opinion is divided over the benefits and whether it woudl really be any better than calls as we have it now.

It should also be cheaper for the networks to provide as it uses packet data which is far more efficient than a circuit switched connection as all voice is currently. Bundled minutes may become a thing of the past but will probably remain for marketing purposes to make it easy for users to quantify data use where there are limits.

VoLTE should be a big improvement for most users but I'm not sure if you will need a phone provisioned for it. Someone mentioned that it may be a software upgrade on handsets and if that is the case anyone with an LTE capable phone should be able to use VoLTE but we will have to wait and see what develops. In the USA Metro PCS currently only have one VoLTE capable handset made by LG AFAIK.
I know VoLTE isn't really that widespread and if as you say it using data packets will make it more efficient, what benefit is there for the end user? As I see it based on current scenario one is usually guarranteed reasonble call quality when using the circuit switched very as mentioned and isn't as prone to latency issues where as I imagine a data switched version like VoLTE could potentially be subject o latency issues if the network and backhaul aren't plentiful? It would be interesting to find out the actual benefits.
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Old 05-03-2013, 16:59
Jwhiterz
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I am aware of the benefits of LTE its VoLTE more specifically I am interested in. I have looked around a few places and opinion is divided over the benefits and whether it woudl really be any better than calls as we have it now.



I know VoLTE isn't really that widespread and if as you say it using data packets will make it more efficient, what benefit is there for the end user? As I see it based on current scenario one is usually guarranteed reasonble call quality when using the circuit switched very as mentioned and isn't as prone to latency issues where as I imagine a data switched version like VoLTE could potentially be subject o latency issues if the network and backhaul aren't plentiful? It would be interesting to find out the actual benefits.
I'm guessing there will be some sort of QOS for voice calls to get priority.
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Old 07-03-2013, 00:37
DevonBloke
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Yeah, VoLTE will have to use QOS and would always be prioritised over data.
It will also offer HD voice that actually works all the time.
In a few years it will also benefit networks. Once all users with LTE handsets have VoLTE Capability, loading on 2G will reduce allowing them to use more of their 2G spectrum for LTE.
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