Voice over LTE: Difference between revisions
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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. | 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>{{Cite web |first=James |last=Parker |title=Australia's 3G shutdown: Why your 4G/5G phone is now blocked |url=https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/australias-3g-shutdown-why-your-4g5g-phone-is-now-blocked,19159 |website=Independent Australia |date=12 Nov 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112002654/https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/australias-3g-shutdown-why-your-4g5g-phone-is-now-blocked,19159 |archive-date=12 Nov 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>{{Cite web |title=3G Shutdown Inquiry - Committee Hansard |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=committees/commsen/28167/&sid=0000 | | 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>{{Cite web |first=James |last=Parker |title=Australia's 3G shutdown: Why your 4G/5G phone is now blocked |url=https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/australias-3g-shutdown-why-your-4g5g-phone-is-now-blocked,19159 |website=Independent Australia |date=12 Nov 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112002654/https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/australias-3g-shutdown-why-your-4g5g-phone-is-now-blocked,19159 |archive-date=12 Nov 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>{{Cite web |date=23 Jul 2024 |title=3G Shutdown Inquiry - Committee Hansard |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=committees/commsen/28167/&sid=0000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708223313/https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=committees/commsen/28167/&sid=0000 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |website=Parliament of Australia}}</ref> | ||
|access-date=30 Jul 2025 | | |||
==Issues with device compatibility== | ==Issues with device compatibility== | ||
VoLTE has been supported with Qualcomm Snapdragon Chipsets since at least 2013/2014 (e.g., Snapdragon 800/801), but not all Android devices that have been sold have VoLTE enabled by the manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Processor |url=https://www.qualcomm.com/products/mobile/snapdragon/smartphones/snapdragon-8-series-mobile-platforms/snapdragon-processors-800 | VoLTE has been supported with Qualcomm Snapdragon Chipsets since at least 2013/2014 (e.g., Snapdragon 800/801), but not all Android devices that have been sold have VoLTE enabled by the manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Processor |url=https://www.qualcomm.com/products/mobile/snapdragon/smartphones/snapdragon-8-series-mobile-platforms/snapdragon-processors-800 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708223316/https://www.qualcomm.com/products/mobile/snapdragon/smartphones/snapdragon-8-series-mobile-platforms/snapdragon-processors-800 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |website=Qualcomm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Qualcomm Announces First Large-Scale Commercial VoLTE Launch in Japan |url=https://www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2014/07/qualcomm-announces-first-large-scale-commercial-volte-launch-japan |website=Qualcomm |date=7 Jul 2014 |access-date= | ||
|url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> In many instances, devices will also lack the correct carrier network configurations/profiles to support VoLTE calling on all networks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New GSMA VoLTE Specification Removes Market Fragmentation |url=https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/article/new-gsma-volte-specification-removes-market-fragmentation/ | |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> In many instances, devices will also lack the correct carrier network configurations/profiles to support VoLTE calling on all networks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New GSMA VoLTE Specification Removes Market Fragmentation |url=https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/article/new-gsma-volte-specification-removes-market-fragmentation/ | ||
|website=GSMA |date=29 Jul 2016 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808151736/https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/article/new-gsma-volte-specification-removes-market-fragmentation/ |archive-date=8 Aug 2024}}</ref> | |website=GSMA |date=29 Jul 2016 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808151736/https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/article/new-gsma-volte-specification-removes-market-fragmentation/ |archive-date=8 Aug 2024}}</ref> | ||
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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121055206/https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/conformity-interoperability/20150112/Documents/Abstracts%20and%20Presentations/S3P5_Doug_Makishima.pdf |archive-date=21 Jan 2022 |format=PDF}}</ref> 4G/LTE Devices that lack native VoLTE calling support are reliant on 2G/3G Networks to make or receive calls (via Circuit Switched Fallback - CSFB). Without either 2G or 3G Networks, those devices do not have call service. | |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121055206/https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/conformity-interoperability/20150112/Documents/Abstracts%20and%20Presentations/S3P5_Doug_Makishima.pdf |archive-date=21 Jan 2022 |format=PDF}}</ref> 4G/LTE Devices that lack native VoLTE calling support are reliant on 2G/3G Networks to make or receive calls (via Circuit Switched Fallback - CSFB). Without either 2G or 3G Networks, those devices do not have call service. | ||
A device may be marketed as having VoLTE support. However, the device may only make calls on some networks due to varying network configurations and VoLTE standardization issues.<ref name="EENA2022">{{Cite web |author=@eena112 |title=EENA 2022: Access to emergency services is being impacted by the lack of VoLTE interoperability |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHjyLmFt-eg |website=[[YouTube]] |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> | A device may be marketed as having VoLTE support. However, the device may only make calls on some networks due to varying network configurations and VoLTE standardization issues.<ref name="EENA2022">{{Cite web |author=@eena112 |title=EENA 2022: Access to emergency services is being impacted by the lack of VoLTE interoperability |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHjyLmFt-eg |website=[[YouTube]] |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=sHjyLmFt-eg |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||
In some instances, the retail versions of devices have been sold without VoLTE Calling on any networks (depending on brand/market/region). However, the exact same device purchased directly from a carrier (with carrier software) will support VoLTE on that carrier network.<ref name="HughVoLTE">{{Cite web |first=Hugh | | In some instances, the retail versions of devices have been sold without VoLTE Calling on any networks (depending on brand/market/region). However, the exact same device purchased directly from a carrier (with carrier software) will support VoLTE on that carrier network.<ref name="HughVoLTE">{{Cite web |last=Jeffreys |first=Hugh |date=25 Nov 2023 |title=Carriers are Killing 4G & 3G Devices - Your 4G Phone May Soon Stop Working |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6qb9dml6So |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q6qb9dml6So |archive-date=24 February 2026 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Hugh | ||
|last=Jeffreys |title=Australia Blocked Internationally Purchased 4G/5G Phones As Part of 3G Shutdown - Starting 28th Oct |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPlTz-3estM |website=[[YouTube]] | |last=Jeffreys |title=Australia Blocked Internationally Purchased 4G/5G Phones As Part of 3G Shutdown - Starting 28th Oct |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPlTz-3estM |website=[[YouTube]] | ||
|date=28 Sep 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> Equally, some handsets purchased from another carrier or from another market may not be configured (in software) to support VoLTE on all networks within a given country. This issue primarily affects Android Phones and non-Apple devices. The iPhone 6 (2014) with iOS 10 and other newer devices support VoLTE calling on most networks. On the iPhone 5 and 5s, though, 4G/LTE devices do not support VoLTE calling.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone 6 - Technical Specifications |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/111954 |website=[[Apple]] |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426223523/https://support.apple.com/en-us/111954 |archive-date=26 Apr 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I enable VoLTE on my mobile phone? |url=https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/enable-volte-mobile-phone |website=Telstra |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117201816/https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/enable-volte-mobile-phone |archive-date=17 Jan 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Téléphones mobile : compatibilité VoLTE / VoWiFi - Forfait Free 5G |url=https://assistance-1.free.fr/mobile/terminaux/ |website=free.fr |date= | |date=28 Sep 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=RPlTz-3estM |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Equally, some handsets purchased from another carrier or from another market may not be configured (in software) to support VoLTE on all networks within a given country. This issue primarily affects Android Phones and non-Apple devices. The iPhone 6 (2014) with iOS 10 and other newer devices support VoLTE calling on most networks. On the iPhone 5 and 5s, though, 4G/LTE devices do not support VoLTE calling.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone 6 - Technical Specifications |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/111954 |website=[[Apple]] |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426223523/https://support.apple.com/en-us/111954 |archive-date=26 Apr 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I enable VoLTE on my mobile phone? |url=https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/enable-volte-mobile-phone |website=Telstra |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117201816/https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/enable-volte-mobile-phone |archive-date=17 Jan 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Téléphones mobile : compatibilité VoLTE / VoWiFi - Forfait Free 5G |url=https://assistance-1.free.fr/mobile/terminaux/ |website=free.fr |date= | ||
|access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711214200/https://assistance-1.free.fr/mobile/terminaux/ |archive-date=11 Jul 2025 |language=fr}}</ref> | |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711214200/https://assistance-1.free.fr/mobile/terminaux/ |archive-date=11 Jul 2025 |language=fr}}</ref> | ||
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For example, starting in May 2024, Telstra began forcing a pre-recorded message with all outbound calls advising affected customers to upgrade in advance of the 3G shutdown in August of that year. However, even customers with modified and working VoLTE devices on Telstra were hearing the message every time they made a 4G VoLTE call.<ref>{{Cite web | For example, starting in May 2024, Telstra began forcing a pre-recorded message with all outbound calls advising affected customers to upgrade in advance of the 3G shutdown in August of that year. However, even customers with modified and working VoLTE devices on Telstra were hearing the message every time they made a 4G VoLTE call.<ref>{{Cite web | ||
|author=Big-Performer2942 |title=Unlock VoLTE in Australia Oneplus 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |url=https://reddit.com/r/oneplus/comments/1aebdxz/unlock_volte_in_australia_oneplus_5_6_7_8_9/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=29 Jan 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250311203950/https://old.reddit.com/r/oneplus/comments/1aebdxz/unlock_volte_in_australia_oneplus_5_6_7_8_9/ <!-- Do not use "new" domain. --> |archive-date=11 Mar 2025}}</ref> This is due to Telstra relying on established lists of 'compatible' devices they sold (i.e. Device IMEI/TAC codes).<ref>{{Cite web |first=Hugh |last=Jeffreys |title=Australia's New Firewall IMEI BLOCKED 516,875 Active Phones Overnight + Tourists Phones Blocked |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIJavqEzEIw |website=[[YouTube]] |date=10 Nov 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |author=Big-Performer2942 |title=Unlock VoLTE in Australia Oneplus 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |url=https://reddit.com/r/oneplus/comments/1aebdxz/unlock_volte_in_australia_oneplus_5_6_7_8_9/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=29 Jan 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250311203950/https://old.reddit.com/r/oneplus/comments/1aebdxz/unlock_volte_in_australia_oneplus_5_6_7_8_9/ <!-- Do not use "new" domain. --> |archive-date=11 Mar 2025}}</ref> This is due to Telstra relying on established lists of 'compatible' devices they sold (i.e. Device IMEI/TAC codes).<ref>{{Cite web |first=Hugh |last=Jeffreys |title=Australia's New Firewall IMEI BLOCKED 516,875 Active Phones Overnight + Tourists Phones Blocked |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIJavqEzEIw |website=[[YouTube]] |date=10 Nov 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=zIJavqEzEIw |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Android IMS Status for Voice over LTE.jpg|thumb|280x280px|Android IMS Status for Voice over LTE]] | [[File:Android IMS Status for Voice over LTE.jpg|thumb|280x280px|Android IMS Status for Voice over LTE]] | ||
Android users are able to confirm if VoLTE is working by checking for the Device 'IMS Status' within a hidden Radio Info Debug menu.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |first=Parth |last=Shah | Android users are able to confirm if VoLTE is working by checking for the Device 'IMS Status' within a hidden Radio Info Debug menu.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |first=Parth |last=Shah | ||