Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology is certainly an intriguing proposition and many are predicting it will be the main way to digitally communicate in a few years time. But one probable problem that users will encounter is that you are still limited to making voice and HD video calls within your network only. That is about to change as two of the US’ biggest carriers, AT&T and Verizon announced that they will be offering VoLTE interoperability by 2015, a move that might just get people (well, at least subscribers to the two networks) on board with this all-IP technology.
If you’re not yet familiar with what VoLTE is, the technology allows you to make voice calls and HD video calls over LTE, which is obviously faster than going through your regular networks. Several carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have already started offering the service, but as mentioned earlier, it was limited to calls within the network. But with the interoperability between the AT&T and Verizon, this might just “create a better and richer mobile experience” that will encourage users to begin using the technology.
Verizon has already implemented Advanced Calling 1.0 back in September and their users have been enjoying simultaneous voice and data capabilities over their 4G LTE network. AT&T meanwhile is still in the process of rolling out the service and they are still testing it out in several cities in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Texas among others.
Engineers from the two are already working on extensively testing VoLTE first in their labs before moving on to actual field trials. They are also closely working with GSMA which is encouraging mobile operators globally to adapt IP communication services like VoLTE and Rich Communication Services. Hopefully, other carriers will follow suit and offer interoperability so as to encourage wider use of VoLTE and RCS.
SOURCE: Verizon
