When talking about internet services, there are two terminologies that you will frequently encounter, LTE and WiFi. The former is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices. The latter is a wireless network protocol for local area networking and internet access. While different, these two wireless technologies allow telcos to provide their subscribers with more services, like VoLTE and VoWiFi. What are these two technologies? Find out below.
What do VoLTE and VoWiFi mean, and what can I do with it?
VoLTE stands for Voice over Long-Term Evolution. As the name suggests, it allows you to make voice calls over the LTE network instead of the usual 2G and 3G networks. Since you’re making voice calls in a faster network, the calls connect faster and sound better since VoLTE has up to three times more voice and data capacity than older 3G UMTS and up to six times more than 2G GSM.
Another benefit of VoLTE is that it keeps you connected to the 4G LTE even when you’re making a phone call. Before VoLTE, mobile phones have to shift to 3G or 2G, which interrupts your connection. This is why when you’re streaming videos or playing online games and someone calls, you get disconnected. With VoLTE, you can choose to answer your call simultaneously while playing or watching.
VoWiFi, on the other hand, stands for Voice over WiFi. It’s similar to VoLTE, but instead of making voice calls over the LTE network, you do it over the WiFi network. If you have WiFi access with a good internet connection, it will allow you to make calls even if you have weak or problems with mobile coverage indoors.
How do I get VoLTE and VoWiFi?
There are two factors to consider if you want to use the said features: first, the telco you’re subscribed to, and second, the device you’re using.
First, you need to find out if your telco provider offers either VoLTE VoWiFi. In the case of Globe Telecom, they’re offering it to postpaid customers with LTE or 5G SIMs, VoLTE and/or VoWiFi capable devices, and those who reside or frequently visit NCR, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan. Soon, this will also be available nationwide, so watch out for their updates.
Second, make sure that you have a VoLTE and/or VoWiFi supported device. If you do, then go to settings to turn on your VoLTE and VoWiFi. For a step by step guide on how to activate it on your device, click on this link to find out more: https://www.globe.com.ph/help/postpaid/volte.html.
How do I know if my VoLTE or VoWiFi is working on my phone?
You will see these icons either on the top left or top right corner of your phone for most devices.
If you see this, it means your device is already connected to LTE or 5G and ready to use VoLTE.
If you see this, it means your device is latched on to a WiFi connection and ready to make and receive calls via VoWiFi.
List of VoLTE and VoWiFi capable devices
As for the devices, Globe has listed down the VoLTE-capable devices in the Philippines:
• Samsung A Series (A30, A30s, A50, A50s, A51, A01, A71, A80, A7 (2018), A6 (2018), A10, A10s, A6+ (2018), A11, A21s, A31, A70, A42 5G)
• Samsung Galaxy S Series (S20 Ultra 5G, S20+, S20, S10+, S10, S10e, S9+, S9, S8+, S8)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Series (Z Flip, Z Fold, ZFold2)
• Samsung Galaxy Note Series (Note 10+, Note 10, Note 10 Lite, Note 9, Note 20 and Note 20 ULTRA 5G)
• Huawei P Series (P40 Pro+, P40 Pro, P40, P30 Pro, P30, P30 Lite)
• Huawei Mate Series (Mate 40 Pro 5G, Mate 30 Pro, Mate 30 Pro 5G, Mate 30, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20, Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro)
• Huawei Nova Series (Nova 7i, Nova 7 SE, Nova 5T, Nova iI, Nova 7 (5G), Nova 7 SE (5G), Nova 3i
• Huawei Y Series (Y9 Prime (2019), Y9 (2019), Y9S, Y7 Pro)
• Huawei XS (5G)
• Apple (iPhone 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XR MAX, XS, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini)
• Nokia 7.2
• OPPO Reno 4, 4z 5G, A53, A15
• RealMe 7i, C15, C11
For areas with low signal quality, VoWiFi is recommended. VoWiFi uses an available WiFi network without the need for any app. VoWiFi-capable phones can use VoWiFi to make and receive important calls as long as they have a good WiFi connection. Here are some models that support VoWiFi:
Samsung:
• Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, S20+, S20, S10+, S10, S10e, S8+, S8
• Galaxy Note 10+, Note 10, Note 10 Lite, Note 9, Note 20 and Note 20 ULTRA 5G
• Galaxy Z Fold, Z Flip, Z Fold2
• Galaxy A10, A10s, A20, A30s, A50, A50s, A70, A80, A7 (2018), A6 (2018), A6+ (2018), A11, A21s, A31, A42 5G
Apple (iOS 14.0):
• iPhone 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR, XR MAX, XS, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini
Huawei:
• P40 Pro+, P40 Pro, P40, Mate 30 Pro, Mate 30, Mate 30 Pro 5G, Mate 40 Pro 5G
Globe says that VoLTE and VoWiFi calls will be charged like a regular call. Consumers registered to Globe unli calls promo can also have unli VoLTE, and VoWiFi calls within Globe.
Globe is encouraging customers to upgrade their old SIM cards to a 4G LTE/5G-ready SIM to ensure that they enjoy and maximize Globe’s Globe’s network upgrades, especially since 3G is nearing its obsolescence. They may do it for free by securing an appointment with the Globe Store via http://glbe.co/abs-queue or making a request through the GlobeOne app. They may also avail of affordable 4G LTE smartphones through https://shop.globe.com.ph/ or get them as prepaid kits, as a freebie with new postpaid lines, or for postpaid plan renewal.
This is good news especially for people living in far-flung areas. Do you have any update as to when they’re rolling the services out to postpaid customers in the Visayas and Mindanao areas? Because of our geographical disadvantage, we do not get the updates first hand unlike the NCR or areas in Luzon. I hope this will be rolled out as soon as time possible for us to be able to enjoy their call and text services seamlessly.