Voice Over LTE may not be a phrase you’ve heard before. The name itself is self-explanatory, it’s the instance where voice calls are placed over an LTE/4G network instead of via a 2G/3G connection. The result is better voice quality and more services for consumers and more efficient use of resources for wireless operators. The latest service to start testing it is Google’s Project Fi.
Project Fi, for those of you that don’t know, is a mobile virtual network operator owned by Google, providing wireless phone and data services using Wi-Fi and existing cellular networks. Google states that the calls placed over LTE will not hinder other activities that use cellular data as is often the case with lower tier connections. This happens due to calls dropping to HSPA connection, which won’t happen on LTE calls.
Additionally, the initial call setup experience on new devices should be much quicker than before. Like on other carriers, Google notes that VoLTE will not count against your monthly data usage.
The Google MVNO is currently only testing VoLTE on T-Mobile’s network. Other US carriers supported by Project Fi like Sprint and US Cellular have yet to officially rollout support.
However, the only devices that can support VOLTE for Project Fi are the new Google Pixel devices as well as the Nexus 6P and the 5X.
“You can tell you’re making a VoLTE call because your signal indicator will continue to display LTE instead of falling to H [HSPA] when you make or receive a call.”
– Alena, Project Fi Community Manager.
