Voice over Long-Term Evolution, or VoLTE, is a technology that enables voice calls to be made over LTE or 4G mobile networks. But what does it mean for businesses? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is VoLTE?
Also known as 4G Calling, VoLTE lets you make seamless, high-quality calls through your phone whenever a 4G network is available, without affecting other data streaming such as watching videos or using apps.
This is a strand of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that uses the internet to make and receive phone calls, in the process, allowing for faster voice and video quality than previous generations of mobile networks.
Where does IoT come in?
On top of this, VoLTE can also be integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) network to create what is called IoT Voice. This enables IoT devices to make and receive calls to specific, predefined phone numbers.
This can be particularly useful for certain applications, such as critical and emergency calls or in industrial settings that require reliable and real-time, on-site communication.
It is an especially noteworthy development for businesses in light of the upcoming Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off in the UK.
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What is PSTN and why/when is it being switched off?
PSTN refers to the global network that carries voice calls over landlines. However, since PSTN is based on analogue, rather than digital, technology, it is becoming increasingly outdated and difficult to maintain.
Therefore, by the end of January 2027, Openreach will close the PSTN across the UK, in what will be one of the biggest communications transitions in a generation.
What does this mean for businesses?
As a result, any businesses using PSTN-based products will need to change them to a digital service, such as VoLTE.
However, it’s important to note that not all IoT devices support VoLTE. As a result, businesses are encouraged to:
- Audit existing IoT deployments and assess compatibility with VoLTE.
- Identify what kind of new IoT devices may be needed in the future if current hardware is not compatible.
- Pay attention to the location of devices, as the availability of 2G and 3G may change at different times in different regions.
- Remember that some devices with 4G/LTE support may not be able to use VoLTE , while compatible devices must be VoLTE-enabled to use this voice service.
- Be aware that, even if VoLTE-enabled, device vendors must include the appropriate network settings for users to be able to access the service.
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What benefits can IoT Voice provide for businesses?
IoT Voice provides various benefits over PSTN technology, such as:
- Better voice quality: More reliable and clear communications, which can be vital during some emergency situations.
- Lower costs: IoT Voice can help reduce communication costs by streamlining the amount of legacy hardware needed. Meanwhile, installation is not reliant on digging up roads, as the mast infrastructure already exists.
- Smarter insights: By combining voice and data, real-time data analysis and remote monitoring both become easier.
- Futureproofed technology: The switch from PSTN will help ensure the longevity of communication infrastructure, especially in light of 2G and 3G sunsetting.
- Greater security: VoLTE calls can be restricted to specific predefined numbers, helping to reduce the opportunity for abuse or fraud.
Which industries or applications might these developments benefit most?
Voice over IoT is a good fit for various industries and applications, including:
- Building management: by providing clearer, two-way voice communications for those trapped in, or working on, broken lifts, as well as for building alarm systems.
- Healthcare: by facilitating remote patient monitoring through the real-time tracking of vitals, more personalised patient care, and more efficient communications.
- Heavy industry: by improving worker communication, and therefore safety, with reliable communications through IoT-enabled devices.
- Automotive: by enabling seamless, instant communication in emergency situations through the use of e-call capabilities.
How can Vodafone support with the switch from PSTN?
A provider like Vodafone can help you decide whether your devices will be compatible with the use of voice or data SMS. Or, if they are not, Vodafone can point you in the direction of the correct devices for your particular use case.
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