What is VoLTE? How Voice over LTE Improves Call Quality on eSIM?

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) lets phones make calls over LTE data instead of old 2G or 3G networks. It improves voice quality, connects faster, and keeps mobile data active, making it essential for eSIM users and travellers.

Being a user of eSIM or intending to be one requires you to learn network standards. VoLTE is a major term that is in the spotlight for eSIM users.

Read out the complete blog to build an understanding of what is VoLTE, and its experience for eSIMCard users!

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Why was VoLTE created?

Traditional mobile calls were built on circuit-switched technology, where the network reserved a fixed channel just for voice. This worked well for basic phones, but struggled as smartphones became common.

On 2G and 3G networks, calls often took longer to connect, audio quality dropped in busy areas, and mobile data stopped working during calls. As apps, maps, and messaging became essential, this separation between voice and data became a problem.

VoLTE was created to move voice calls into the same digital framework used by modern data services. By doing this, carriers could improve call quality, reduce delays, and support voice and data together without relying on aging network infrastructure.

How VoLTE Works?

VoLTE treats your voice as secure data. When you make a call, your phone converts your voice into encrypted data packets and sends them over LTE data, similar to how messaging or streaming apps work.

Behind the scenes, mobile carriers manage these calls using the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). IMS ensures your voice service is prioritized so calls stay stable, even when the network is busy. This system also allows faster call setup and smoother transitions between cell towers as you move.

Because VoLTE is built into the LTE standard, it works efficiently across modern mobile networks. It is compatible with both physical SIMs and supported eSIM profiles.

Why Is VoLTE Better Than Regular Calls?

The difference between VoLTE and traditional calling is noticeable the moment you place a call. Because VoLTE keeps your call on the LTE data layer, everything feels faster and clearer.

You will experience a smoother clarity like:

Clearer voice quality with less background noise
Faster call connection, often in under a second
Mobile data stays active while you’re on a call
More stable voice calls in busy places like airports or city centers

Traditional calls drop your phone back to older systems, which interrupts data and reduces clarity. VoLTE calling avoids that fallback, keeping both voice and data working together on the same LTE network.

This is why VoLTE feels more natural, especially when switching between apps, maps, and calls during the day.

VoLTE vs Wi-Fi Calling: What’s the Real Difference?

You may confuse VoLTE with Wi-Fi Calling. But they are solutions, invented for different problems of users.

VoLTE uses your carrier’s LTE mobile network to handle calls. Wi-Fi Calling routes calls through a local Wi-Fi connection instead. Both improve call reliability, but in different situations.

Let me share with you a quick differentiation table:

Feature	VoLTE	Wi-Fi Calling
Network used	LTE mobile data	Wi-Fi internet
Works without Wi-Fi	Yes	No
Best for	Travel, mobility	Indoor weak-signal areas
Data during calls	Yes	Depends on Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi Calling is useful indoors when the signal is weak. VoLTE is better when you’re moving, traveling, or using eSIMCard fast data plan. On modern phones, both can coexist & switch automatically based on what’s available.

For travelers and eSIM users, VoLTE is often more dependable because it doesn’t rely on local Wi-Fi quality.

What You Need to Use VoLTE

Obviously, you need a mobile device. But if you are an eSIMCard user, you need an eSIM-compatible smartphone. VoLTE works automatically on many phones, but a few conditions must be met for it to function correctly.

You need:

A VoLTE-capable device
A compatible phone model approved by the carrier
Carrier or eSIM support for VoLTE
VoLTE is enabled in your network settings
Updated system software

Even when a phone supports VoLTE, it may not activate unless the carrier provisions the voice service correctly. This is why some users see the VoLTE option but still experience call drops or fall back to older networks.

If VoLTE is working, calls stay on LTE data, and your phone no longer switches to legacy systems during calls.

Does VoLTE Work While Traveling or Using an eSIM?

Yes! VoLTE works while traveling if your eSIM or carrier profile supports it. VoLTE depends on the mobile network configuration, not your physical SIM slot. When supported, it keeps calls stable even as you move between regions.

For travellers, this matters because VoLTE helps with:

Receiving calls without delay
One-time passwords from banks or apps
Fewer call drops when crossing borders
Stable calling in LTE-only regions

Many countries are shutting down 3G, which means voice traffic must stay on LTE data. eSIM plans that support VoLTE are better prepared for these changes because they rely on modern LTE voice routing instead of legacy systems.

This is especially helpful when you’re roaming, changing networks, or relying on digital SIM profiles during travel.

Extra Features: VoLTE Enables Beyond Basic Calling

Besides call clarity, VoLTE brings extra value to the table. Because it’s fully digital, it unlocks features that 2G or 3G can’t support.

VoLTE offers:

HD voice quality with clearer tones
Faster handovers between cell towers while moving
Built-in support for video calling
More consistent performance on busy LTE networks

Since VoLTE runs on the same LTE data layer as apps, it integrates smoothly with modern mobile services. Calls feel more stable when you’re in motion, using maps, or switching between apps.

These improvements make VoLTE the standard voice layer for modern smartphones, especially in regions where LTE is the baseline network. Many modern eSIM plans, including those from eSIMCard, support VoLTE for stable calling on LTE networks.

Common VoLTE Issues and How to Fix Them

VoLTE is reliable, but setup or network mismatches can cause issues. Most problems are easy to fix once you know the cause.

Common issues and solutions:

Calls fall back to 3G

Carrier profile not provisioned
Restart the device or update the network settings

VoLTE toggle missing

Feature disabled by carrier
Check account support or reinstall eSIM

One-way audio during calls

Network routing conflict
Reboot the phone or reset the network configuration

Calls fail while data works

Voice over LTE is not fully activated
Confirm VoLTE calling support with your eSIM provider

Most VoLTE problems come from configuration, not the phone itself. Once the voice over LTE profile is properly enabled, calls remain stable and consistent.

FAQs

1. Should VoLTE Be Turned On or Off on Your Phone?

VoLTE should stay turned on. When VoLTE is enabled, calls run over the LTE network instead of older 2G or 3G systems. This results in clearer voice quality, faster call connection, and uninterrupted data usage. For eSIMCard users, keeping VoLTE on is especially important in regions where legacy networks are being phased out.

2. What Is the Difference Between LTE and VoLTE?

LTE is a data network, while VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a voice service that uses the LTE data layer for calling. Without VoLTE, phones drop to circuit-switched 2G or 3G networks during calls. With VoLTE calling, voice stays fully digital, improving call clarity and allowing mobile data to work at the same time.

3. Do I Need VoLTE If I Already Have 4G LTE?

Yes. Having 4G LTE alone does not guarantee VoLTE calling. LTE handles internet traffic, but VoLTE is required to place voice calls over the LTE network. If VoLTE is not enabled, your phone may fall back to older networks for calls. eSIMCard plans that support VoLTE ensure calls remain stable even on LTE-only mobile networks.

4. What Happens If I Disable VoLTE?

If you disable VoLTE, your phone may switch to 2G or 3G networks for voice calls. This can cause slower call setup, reduced voice quality, and loss of mobile data during calls. In countries where 3G networks are shut down, disabling VoLTE may prevent you from making or receiving calls altogether, especially when using an international eSIM.

5. Will My Phone Work Without VoLTE?

Your phone may still work for data, but voice calls can become unreliable without VoLTE. In many regions, mobile networks now rely on LTE for voice services. For eSIMCard users traveling internationally, a VoLTE-capable and VoLTE-enabled phone ensures consistent receiving calls, OTP delivery, and uninterrupted voice access on modern LTE networks.