VoLTE is short for Voice over LTE (“voice over LTE/4G”), which means that the call is made over a 4G or 5G network using data packets. In this way, up to 6 times more information is transmitted per second than in 2G and 3G networks, traditionally used for voice transmission.
For users, this means they can connect much faster and have conversations in HD and HD+ quality, where the difference in clarity of each word is noticeable. VoLTE also counteracts one of the disadvantages of the old technology, namely that during a call the smartphone has to switch to 3G mode, which makes the mobile Internet noticeably slower.
The service allows simultaneous calls and 4G/5G Internet connection, which is particularly useful nowadays, when the smartphone is often used as a hotspot or to surf the Internet and make phone calls at the same time.
Times roaming is already in Bulgaria. It is available to customers roaming in Austria and using the A1 Austria network. The company promises to add new destinations gradually, with plans to offer VoLTE roaming in the US in early 2023.
The rollout of VoLTE in roaming is a natural development of the mobile services industry, shares A1. The global trend is for the gradual release of frequency resources and the shutdown of older generations of mobile networks such as 2G and 3G in coming years. This process makes VoLTE not only useful, but an increasingly needed service, because in the near future it will be the primary way to make calls.
VoLTE calls are charged as standard, there are no additional costs and do not consume the megabytes of maximum speed included in the tariff plan. The service is available to all affiliated customers in possession of a compatible device and SIM. Once activated, the service will work both in Bulgaria and in countries where VoLTE roaming is supported. Currently, VoLTE roaming is supported by all Samsung models that have an update to Android 12 (from S10); all models after iPhone 7 running iOS 15 or later; Motorola models from Edge20 up to and including July 2021 and the brand’s new smartphones; the high-end Huawei models after the Mate10 (2017) – the Mate and P series.
A1 advises all customers who will be traveling during their holidays to check their roaming terms and choose the best plan for their needs so that they can stay in touch with their friends and family abroad. This information is available at any time from the My A1 application and its web version at A1.bg.
