What is VoLTE? How it Improves Call Quality and Connection Security

If you’ve used Asiacell, you’ll have noticed just how crisp and clear-sounding your calls are. Our customers also appreciate how fast they get through to the person they’re calling and the high level of security on our network.

Behind these three benefits is a clever piece of technology called VoLTE. In this article, you’ll learn what it is and what you need to do to get it on your phone.

What does VoLTE mean on your phone?

VoLTE stands for Voice over Long-Term Evolution. VoLTE is the way you can make normal voice calls over Asiacell’s 4G network, instead of having to switch to an older and slower 2G or 3G connection.

The great news is that you do not need to download any additional software to access VoLTE. Neither does the person you want to get in touch with. That’s because VoLTE is built into our network, so you can make calls without a third-party app like WhatsApp or Telegram.

To use VoLTE, you must ensure your phone, SIM, and network are compatible. On Asiacell, you also need a 4G connection and the right setting activated on your handset. We’ll discuss that more down below as well as how to connect.

How VoLTE makes calls clearer and connects them faster

VoLTE improves mobile call quality because it supports HD voice. That means it captures a wider range of sounds than standard mobile calls, so voices sound more natural and crisper. VoLTE relies on Internet Protocol connections, hence the faster, higher quality calls.

HD voice quality is especially helpful on calls where you have to give someone important details. For example, calling your bank about a recent transaction that looks a bit suspicious. Thanks to the clarity of the connection, the bank representative is less likely to mishear you. If you’ve ever had to repeat your account number multiple times, you’ll appreciate that.

VoLTE also reduces the time it takes for your call to reach the other person’s phone.

Even better, when you’re speaking with someone, you can also use 4G data on your handset to look something up online, check a map, or read an incoming email.

Asiacell is rolling out 4G across Iraq, but it’s not available everywhere just yet. If you start your call outside a 4G coverage area and move into one during a call, your phone will switch over to VoLTE. You won’t experience any interruptions in your conversation.

How VoLTE helps keep your calls secure

VoLTE shares all the security features you get in Asiacell’s 4G network in Iraq, including:

SIM verification: When your phone connects to our 4G network, we confirm that your SIM is recognized and allowed to use it.
Call encryption: 4G scrambles voice data as it travels between your phone and our network. Even in the highly unlikely event a hacker gets into the radio signal, all they would get is scrambled data they could not understand.
Tamper checks: 4G checks that messages sent between your phone and our network arrive as they were sent.

The three measures help keep all your voice calls safe and secure.

Taking security seriously

While we protect both your phone and the network, please do your bit to look after yourself as well. Be on the look-out for scam calls and smishing attempts.

On scam calls, criminals pretend to be someone you know or trust so they can steal your money or personal details. Smishing (or SMS phishing) is when a threat actor tries to do the same with text messages by luring you into opening a harmful link.

Always be vigilant and check the person getting in touch with you is who they say they are.

Does VoLTE use your data or cost more?

Your 4G subscription is likely to have its own data limit. That means that there’s a cap on the amount of data you can use during a week, month, or other period of time.

VoLTE uses 4G, but we treat it as a normal voice call so it doesn’t count towards your mobile data allowance.

You pay your usual call rate, or your calls are covered by the inclusive minutes in your voice bundle. If you have an unlimited call package, you can make as many VoLTE calls as you like.

Any data used for browsing during a VoLTE call does count towards your normal mobile data allowance.

How to activate the Asiacell VoLTE service

Many newer phones already come with the VoLTE service switched on. But if it’s not currently active on your handset, here’s how to enable it.

1. Check your phone and SIM

Dial *393# from the handset you connect to the Asiacell network with and we’ll tell you whether your phone and SIM support VoLTE.

2. Select 4G or LTE

Go to your device’s mobile network settings and choose either 4G or LTE as your preferred network. Both work, so it doesn’t matter which term you see on your phone.

In some cases, you might have to install a software update as well.

3. Switch on VoLTE

This is how to turn on VoLTE on both major mobile operating systems:

iPhone: Go to Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Options, and then select the setting that enables 4G/LTE calling in Voice & Data.
Android: Select Settings and open Mobile Network, SIM Card or Connections. Look for VoLTE Calls, HD Calling, or 4G Calling, and switch it on.

You can also review our detailed instructions for iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, Redmi, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and Realme devices.

4. Test it

When you see the 4G or VoLTE symbol in your mobile status bar, make a normal call. If the symbol stays on screen once the call connects, you can use mobile data while you speak.

Sometimes, the service might not work straight away. Restart your phone if the setting doesn’t appear or VoLTE still isn’t working.