VoLTE: Coming Soon

Verizon Communications and AT&T expect to transmit wireless voice calls between the two carriers over high-speed data networks by 2015, according to Reuters. Instead of switching from 4G LTE when texting or using data to 3G to make calls, the call will be transmitted using Voice over LTE, which repackages voice calls as data and transmits them over carriers’ high-speed data networks. “Interoperability among all VoLTE providers takes connectivity to the next level with HD quality voice and additional features that customers want,” Tony Melone, chief technology officer at Verizon, said in a statement. For wireless carriers, Voice over LTE will help them to use their network resources more efficiently by allowing them to dump old voice network infrastructure and free up wireless spectrum currently used for voice calls, Reuters explained.