Just in time for iOS 8 and the 'iPhone 6,' Verizon will soon be rolling out Voice-over-LTE technology
After originally announcing rollout plans in May, Verizon has confirmed that Voice-over-LTE technology will come to the largest U.S. carrier “in the coming weeks.”
Also known as VoLTE, the technology will allow voice calls to be routed through the much faster LTE network. Currently, all Verizon voice calls are placed on the older 3G network.
Currently, iPhone users can’t take advantage of VoLTE. But Apple’s upcoming “iPhone 6” and iOS 8 are widely expected to offer the feature.
VoLTE will be active when two Verizon customers in an LTE coverage area call each other from handsets with the technology. One major perk, beyond the high-definition voice quality, is that video calling will be made easier. Verizon discusses more about that feature:
Video Calling is simplified when using VoLTE technology. The contact list in the phone clearly shows, with a video camera icon next to the name, who can receive a Video Call, and a tap or two on the phone starts the call so you can speak to friends and family face-to-face. Customers control Video Calls, easily switching to a voice-only call from a Video Call and back with a tap on the phone. The audio portion of a Video Call is delivered in HD Voice.
Rival U.S. carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint all currently support VoLTE in some capacity.
For other news today, see: Los Angeles school district suspends Apple iPad contract, Verizon ‘retires’ the 32 GB iPhone 5c ahead of Apple’s ‘iPhone 6’ launch, and AppAdvice International: UAE Apple Store, Secret app and iTunes Festival.
