Editing Voice over LTE (section)

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[[wikipedia:Voice_over_LTE|'''Voice over Long-Term-Evolution''']] or '''VoLTE''' is a type of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calling that allows voice calls to be made over the 4G/LTE (Long-Term Evolution) mobile networks.<ref>[https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/networks/ip_services/volte/ "VoLTE (Voice over LTE) - Networks"] - GSMA</ref>
[[File:VoLTE Settings - Android 12 - Xperia 1 II.png|thumb|654x654px|VoLTE Settings - Android 12 - Xperia 1 II]]
Unlike 2G or 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G/NR are data-only standards and have no built-in calling functionality, let alone one as well standardized as the traditional Circuited Switched calling from 2G and 3G (GSM/UMTS). This poses an issue for consumers, since enabling 4G or 5G calling on devices requires explicit carrier software or firmware support, including for Emergency Calling. Two identical phones running different carrier software can have different VoLTE Calling and Emergency Calling functionality on various networks.<ref>[https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/networks/documents-volte/ "VoLTE - Documents"] GSMA</ref>

Voice over LTE, aka ‘4G Calling', is a software-/firmware-based calling solution for mobile sector. The world has used VoIP Calling for decades, but introducing VoIP data based calling into the mobile sector has proven very difficult. VoLTE devices have been around since as early as 2013. Over many years, however, the industry has failed to ensure interoperability.<ref name=":2">[https://eena.org/blog/webinars/volte-standardisation-problem/ "EENA - Ensuring continuity of access to emergency services/VoLTE Standardisation Problem"]. ''EENA''. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2024.</ref>

With 2G or 3G still in service, consumers do not experience any loss in device functionality by switching to a competing provider. However, with the shutdown of 2G/3G services, consumers may no longer make nor receive standard phone calls on their existing 4G devices with their preferred mobile carriers. This also impacts Emergency Calls and Roaming Calls, as not all devices that support VoLTE calling can place Emergency Calls or Roaming Calls over 4G.

Due to the compatibility and standardization issues with VoLTE, the ability for consumers to use devices purchased from any provider in the world will no longer exist like it did with 2G and 3G (Circuit Switched) networks.

Currently, phone carriers can use this telco specific VoLTE firmware requirement as a stealthy way of network locking their devices, which prevents customers from switching to competitors or from using ‘BYO’ devices.<ref>[https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/australias-3g-shutdown-why-your-4g5g-phone-is-now-blocked,19159 "Australia’s 3G shutdown: Why your 4G/5G phone is now blocked - Independent Australia"] - 12 November 2024</ref> Handset makers and network operators also engage in behavior that restricts the use of devices on different networks and otherwise anti-competitive behavior.<ref>[https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=committees/commsen/28167/&sid=0000 "3G Shutdown Inquiry - Committee Hansard - 23 July 2024 Parliament of Australia"] - aph.gov.au</ref>