Whether you have Apple or Android, VoLTE is coming to you.

VoLTE, or Voice over LTE, is how our phones and carriers transmit our voices during a call, so there's good reason to know how to use it and why you should care. Once you have the right phone, setting VoLTE up on your phone is very easy and well worth it.

Let's take a deeper look.

CDMA Network Retirement

As technology continues to evolve, so does the need to update the type of technology we here at Pioneer Cellular use to continue to provide the best possible service. As we complete our network transition to VoLTE (Voice over LTE), we would like to keep you up to date with some important activities.

Soon, all Pioneer Cellular users will need to have a VoLTE-capable device. If you do not have a VoLTE-capable device, and there is no CDMA network to utilize, you will not be able to make voice calls. Be aware that all major cellular carriers, including Verizon, are moving to VoLTE technology and will be retiring their own CDMA networks on December 31, 2022. Pioneer Cellular does not have a definitive date as to when its CDMA network will be retired.

Here are some of the upcoming changes that will be happening due to VoLTE:

You will need to be on a Pioneer Core plan (Family, Unlimited, Basic)

You will need to have a VoLTE Capable device and SIM Card

If you have a device that is a few years old, such as a Motorola Razr or iPhone 4, you will need to upgrade to a newer device.

Click here to see what Pioneer devices are VoLTE capable. (This link will be continually updated as Pioneer devices are added/taken off)

What is VoLTE?

As the name suggests, Voice over LTE happens when your carrier allows you to place a phone call over your LTE connection instead of the older legacy voice networks. For example, cellular phones traditionally used 1XRTT for all of their voice calls, relying on LTE for data. This used to be why most cellular phones couldn't simultaneously use voice and data. With VoLTE, this isn't necessary anymore.

Thanks to VoLTE, now there is the ability to use more bandwidth to make phone calls with higher-quality audio traveling both ways. When you are on a call with someone else who is using VoLTE, you immediately notice the difference in call quality on both ends. You'll also notice calls connect faster if you are calling someone near you, and while that's not a feature worth bragging about, it's a cool thing to test for yourself. VoLTE also lets you talk and use 4G LTE data simultaneously.

So now that I know what VoLTE is, how do I get it on my phone?

First things first. You will need to make sure your specific device has the correct software loaded. You can find instructions on how to in the links below depending on whether you have Apple or Android. (Remember to always back up your device before updating!)

Apple Users: Click here to learn how to update your iPhone.

Android Users: Click here to learn how to update your Android.

My software is updated, do I have VoLTe now?

Not yet. You have one more step to make sure the VoLTE service is turned on and active on your device. Read on to find out how you do this on your particular device type.

Enable VoLTe on iPhone/iOS Device

1. Tap Settings
2. Tap Cellular
3. Ensure the Cellular Data switch is in the "on" position
4. Tap Cellular Data Options
5. Tap Voice & Data
6. Ensure LTE is selected (has a checkmark.) If not. tap.
7. Ensure the VoLTE slider is in the "on" position

These instructions are for the newest iOS version (iOs15). On older versions of iOS, the process to turn on VoLTE will be very similar.

Enable VoLTe on an Andorid

Depending on the specific Android device you are using, these steps may differ somewhat.

1. Tap Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Tap Mobile Networks
4. Turn on VoLTE Calls

Enable VoLTe on an Sonim XP3

1. Tap Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet
3. Tap Mobile Network
4. Tap Enhanced 4G LTE mode

Ensure the slider is in the "on" position

As with any software update, be sure to power cycle your device once you have completed all the steps above by turning your device off completely and turning it back on. This allows the device to make sure all updates are in place properly.

Still no luck? The question “How do I activate VoLTE?” can be a bit harder to answer here due to the differences between different manufacturer operating systems. Here’s a very general version of the process to point you in the right direction. You’ll first go into Settings. The next selection is likely to be something along the lines of Cellular Networks, Call or Call Settings. At this point, look out for any option that mentions VoLTE or Voice over LTE. 

If you run into any problems, a quick web search of your phone model and “VoLTE” should clear things up. And then you’re all set!