Following the introduction of Voice-over-LTE technology with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which increases call quality by routing calls through an LTE network opposed to last generation 3G networks, US carriers have experienced a big increase in VoLTE calls. That’s according to a new report from Newfield Wireless that highlights a decrease for calls over 3G by about one-fifth compared to previous generation iPhones and other LTE-capable devices:
The majority of voice calls made on other 4G-enabled devices are currently routed through legacy 2G and 3G networks, due to the fact that not all networks and devices are optimised to deliver next-generation voice services. iPhone 6 devices are VoLTE-compatible and as a result, U.S. networks have experienced a surge in VoLTE calls since the September launch.
The report also shared some other data points from its research noting a few stats for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus uptake compared to previous generations:
- On average, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users are already consuming more 4G data than users on all iPhone 5 devices.
- The number of iPhone 6 handsets active on mobile networks is 5x the number of iPhone 6 Plus devices.
- The majority of iPhone 6 handsets that have appeared on mobile networks have been direct replacements of iPhone 5 devices.
Carriers in the US have already begun rolling out support for VoLTE, and Verizon and AT&T this week announced their plans to introduce interoperability between their customers. Before Verizon and AT&T’s rollout of VoLTE interoperability, the feature only works when making a call to a VoLTE capable device on the same network.
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I’m not one of those guys that raves about handsets or the quality of service, but VoLTE sound quality through Verizon is impressive! I’m more surprised that average user is figuring out how to change the default setting (Data over LTE) to Voice and Data over LTE.
This is great, but as a Verizon customer, the major downfall is the iPhone 6’s inability to automatically switch from LTE to it’s 1x or 3G network when I lose LTE service. It is impossible for me to keep my iPhone 6 on Data+Voice because I cannot afford these dropped calls. When the technology/ software is developed to allow this(Maybe “Advanced Calling 2.0”), I will be a happy customer.
@DJaNox – As a current Verizon customer… that’s why I’m doing the T-Mobile test drive. I switched to Verizon from ATT a year ago and have hated them ever since, but definitely don’t like ATT because of the pricing…
Does T-Mobile use VoLTE?
I tried to enable VoLTE on a T-Mobile Phone and the option wasn’t present in the iOS settings.
Yes. http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/issues-insights-blog/firing-on-all-cylinders-earnings-jdp.htm
T-Mobile does support VoLTE. My iPhone 6 can even maintain the call if LTE drops down to 4G thanks to eSRVCC.
T-Mobile does have VoLTE, but for you to use it, it has to be enabled in your area and on your smartphone.
“The number of iPhone 6 handsets active on mobile networks is 5x the number of iPhone 6 Plus devices.”
The main reason for this discrepancy is that the iPhone 6 plus is still not readily available. I’ve been waiting over a month and it will still be another two weeks or so until I should get it. You can walk in anywhere and get an iPhone 6 right off the shelf.
Thanks for the replies. I like what I’m reading. I’d hope that T-Mobile is being invited to Verizon and AT&T’s party on this interoperability standard for improved audio. I know that when I talk to another T-Mobile customer, the voice quality is outstanding.
Hate to say this but the iPhone 6/6+ was NOT what made the surge in VoLTE calls. A lot of other phones including the Lumia 928 have supported VoLTE for a while now, I wouldn’t give the iPhone the ribbon in what cause the increase. Just saying.
Hate to say this, but the analysis is based on data generated by Newfield Wireless’ TrueCall® platform, which is uniquely positioned in the network to provide the visibility and real-time information needed to assess the delivery and performance of VoLTE. We’re not talking about who first used VoLTE. We’re talking about the surge in use that’s visible AFTER the iPhone 6 launched.