A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is not a new technology. In fact, VoIP has permeated the business world and taken over landlines with more relevant features and Internet connectivity. Why is it so popular, and how can you get VoIP service for your business? First, let’s explore the difference between VoLTE and VoIP. Keep reading to learn more.

What is VoIP?

If you’re old enough to recall analog telephones connected to phone cables, then you already understand the immediate physical differences between VoIP and an analog phone. VoIP was first introduced in the 1990s but made its commercial debut during the 2G and 3G era, where connectivity was decent but not mind-blowing. However, VoIP also introduced a wide range of affordable features such as SMS text messaging, voicemail, call forwarding, fax transmissions, and more. In contrast to installing expensive analog business phone systems, a managed VoIP service made much more strategic sense for most organizations. Today, with the advent of 5G, VoIP is genuinely the most efficient and technologically advanced route to choose for robust communications.

What is VoLTE?

Voice over LTE or VoLTE came about when 4G was deployed; it uses the 4G network to make calls, and it transmits them a bit differently from a VoIP service. For instance, VoIP packs data such as email, voice, texts, music, photos, and more onto one stream. On the other hand, VoLTE creates a stream for each specific type of data set – voice goes on one stream and email on another. VoLTE uses the faster 4G and 5G speeds to build upon VoIP. Yet, VoIP and VoLTE have the same technological foundations. When you use a managed VoIP service, you get the benefits of 4G and 5G speeds with all the advancements brought about in VoLTE.

IP network communication is significantly less expensive relative to analog/landline calls. It also makes long-distance calling much more budget-friendly. There isn’t any costly hardware to install or setup fees.

How are VoIP and VoLTE different?

There are a few differences between VoIP and VoLTE, but they are not significant. For example, VoLTE is only available for smart devices. So then, this can make it difficult for global businesses that need to use other forms of communication devices. Further, VoIP is less restricted in its network choices, where it can use 3G, ADSL, and Wi-Fi to make transmissions. In contrast, VoLTE can only use the 4G or 5G network. If a business is still using 3G or is in a location where 4G and 5G aren’t as widely available, then having a managed VoIP service is the more flexible option. Moreover, if you don’t have the latest smartphone, you might not be able to use VoLTE.

In terms of voice call quality, it makes sense that the 4G network would improve the overall quality because it provides a faster transmission speed. Faster network transmission enhances the quality of any Internet-connected device. Nonetheless, VoIP can also use 4G and 5G networks with comparable voice quality and even transmit HD calls.

Both VoIP and VoLTE allow users to talk and run data apps at the same time. It goes without saying that many people like to multi-task. You can do so with either in terms of sending voice data packets. VoIP sends packets using a first-come, first-served schedule. In contrast, VoLTE sends voice data packets first. Still, with VoIP, users can switch between 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G during any call – it is truly adaptable and accessible.

Since VoIP is also more commonly used compared to VoLTE, business users find that many of their partners use VoIP as well. But, VoLTE is limited by its level of support. To illustrate, there are only a few smart devices and models that currently support VoLTE.

Also, there are many locations where LTE is not yet available. The last thing a business needs is to feel stuck without communications on hand. The good news is you can use VoIP on your smart devices and your computers. In addition, VoIP can be used for all of the popular social media apps and more. If there isn’t an LTE network in your area, you can’t use VoLTE.

One of the significant advantages of VoIP is its mobility. Instead of feeling landlocked by an analog phone, end users can connect to VoIP from anywhere. There isn’t a dependency on a physical phone or a phone number.

Not to mention, VoIP offers the convenience of an auto attendant to field calls even when the workday has come to a close.

Final thought

With 4G and 5G networks now available, the quality of a managed VoIP service is much better than an expensive and limited analog phone system. With remote work on the rise, home-based employees and executives need a reliable and secure way to communicate from anywhere. VoIP is the most popular form of Internet-based communication; it’s dependable and used by most organizations. It helps to partner with a VoIP expert to ensure you have a secure and always-on connection. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact SSI today!