One of the biggest predicted trends of 2016 among those in the telco industry is the rise of VoLTE, or Voice over LTE services. Major carriers like AT&T and Verizon Wireless have announced their launch plans or have launched them already. There are a number of benefits of VoLTE for service providers, including financial incentives. Yet at the same time this technology could be useful for individual consumers and businesses alike. As with most hyped up new trends, there’s a lot of chatter about VoLTE and this has led to some myths being spread. Here are a few of the most common myths about this new form of voice transfer technology.
VoLTE is no different from VoIP.
You’re most likely already quite familiar with VoIP services like Skype, which transmit your voice calls using small packets of data over an IP network. In essence, VoLTE also happens to work over an IP network in the same way, but in this case it only uses the high-speed LTE network to provide crystal clear connections, fewer dropped calls, and a more inclusive package. There will be a higher standard applied to VoLTE calls offered by large carriers like Nokia Networks or Verizon in comparison to VoIP services accessed through third party apps.
VoLTE will be a battery drain.
If you currently use VoIP services, you know that they can drain your battery quite quickly particularly if you’re placing long calls abroad. With VoLTE, there’s no need for voice and data to run simultaneously, saving your battery life. Only data is used with this type of service, which boosts calling efficiency.
It’s no different from other OTT services.
OTT services stand for ‘over the top,’ and refers to the delivery of extra features or content over the internet that you can access without a subscription, such as Netflix or even Skype. With OTT services, you’re using your service provider’s network to access these extra features, and the service provider has nothing to do with them. VoLTE is different in that although it offers benefits similar to OTT services, including direct video calls and global reach, it is offered through the main service provider.
This is only useful for businesses.
With its ability to provide clear calls and OTT services at a distance, it seems like VoLTE is designed especially for international business purposes. Yet it also boasts a number of applications that would be applicable to individual consumers. Improved call quality and high definition voice capabilities are benefits for everyone.
VoLTE will be more complicated.
So with extra features, will VoLTE be more complicated to implement? Will it require a more complicated billing system? This is a very common misconception that could potentially put customers off of signing up for this service. However, the opposite is actually true. It’s not only easier for the service provider to offer this more efficient technology, but it also streamlines billing for both of you. Rather than paying for separate voice and data, you can pay for everything in one. Furthermore, there’s no need to download and maintain third-party apps like you would with WhatsApp or Skype to access similar features.
By understanding a bit more about VoLTE and how it works, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not this technology is right for you.
