This page provides answers to some common questions of Voice over LTE (4G).
What is VoLTE?
VoLTE is an abbreviation for Voice over LTE. Rather than using the 3G and 2G frequencies, your phone will stay on 4G and 5G frequencies for voice calls and video calls.
What are the benefits of VoLTE?
Key benefits of the VoLTE, also known as '4G Calling', includes reduced background noise on voice calls and quicker call connection.
Which smartphones and modems are compatible with VoLTE?
For a complete list of compatible phones and modems please visit our VoLTE page.
Modem -.All B525 Rural Broadband modems supplied from August 19th 2019 are VoLTE compatible. Existing B525 modems will receive firmware upgrade over the network, which is planned to begin by September 2019. No intervention is required from customers end.
Phones not yet compatible:
Samsung - Samsung Galaxy A8 and Galaxy J6.
Vodafone - N9, N10 and V10.
Please note, all smartphones and modems older than the ones listed above will not be compatible with VoLTE.
What happens when I move from a 2G/3G area to a 4G area while making a call over VoLTE?
Since these are two very distinct technologies, your call will drop out when you move into the 4G only area. If you have VoLTE activated on your device and plan, you'll be able to redial the number and continue your call.
What happens when I move from a 4G only area to a 2G/3G area while making a call over VoLTE?
Since 4G is the more advance connection, it is easily compatible with 2G/3G. This means your call will simply transfer over, allowing you to stay connected without any interruption on a 2G/3G area while making a call over VoLTE?
Is video calling compatible with VoLTE?
If you're calling from a 4G network area to another 4G network area, video calling will continue to work with VoLTE. If you are calling from a 3G network area to a 4G network area or vice versa using VoLTE, your call may only connect via audio or not connect at all.
If you feel the person you are calling isn't in a 4G network area, but you’d still like to make a video call, you can simply switch off VoLTE on your smartphone and then make the call.
What will a device software update look like on my smartphone?
The change to include VoLTE on your device will be part of the standard software update schedule for your device. Some Android devices may see a small change on their phones when in a VoLTE enabled area. As an example, here's what that change will look like on a Samsung Galaxy S9.
Samsung Galaxy S9
The update will also enable new functions on your smartphone, allowing you to turn VoLTE on or off. On iPhones, VoLTE will be turned off by default. VoLTE as off; customers will need to enable it manually on their device once their software upgrade has completed.
How do I set up VoLTE on my smartphone?
Apple (iOS)
- Go to Settings
- Tap Mobile
- Tap Mobile Data Options
- Enable 4G Voice and Data
Huawei
- Go to Settings
- Tap Wireless and Networks
- Tap Mobile Networks
- Enable VoLTE calls
Samsung
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap Mobile Networks
- Enable VoLTE calls
Please note: Samsung and Huawei smartphones, and any Vodafone branded devices will have VoLTE turned on by default when you are in a 4G network area. At such times, you will not find a VoLTE toggle in the settings menu of your smartphone.
How will I know if I am in a VoLTE area?
Android: You might see a VoLTE or HD symbol on the top of your device (next to the signal strength indicator) otherwise your device will stay on 4G during a call
iPhone: iOS does not use a VoLTE symbol so your iPhone will simply display 4G.
When I make a call over VoLTE, does this use my plan data?
When you make a VoLTE call, it will use your plan's minutes, not your data.
Is roaming within New Zealand or overseas supported by VoLTE?
If you are roaming within New Zealand, you will not have access to VoLTE. Similarly, if you are one of our customers, you won't have access to the VoLTE networks of other countries while you are on roaming in those regions.
Will my device make voice calls in a 4G or 4G voice only area?
Only VoLTE compatible devices will be able to make and receive voice calls in an area that has 4G only and no 2G/3G coverage.
How do I know if I am in a 4G or 4G voice only area without 2G/3G coverage?
The coverage map can be used to find these locations. Note that the coverage map is a predictive tool.
https://one.nz/network/coverage/
Why is there 4G and 4G only coverage without 2G/3G?
RCG (Rural Connectivity Group) is deploying 425 rural cellsites throughout New Zealand providing 4G only coverage. Most of these sites will be deeply rural and therefore may not have 2G/3G coverage.
For more information go to thercg.co.nz
Can I make a 111 emergency call using 4G Calling (VoLTE)?
Yes, you can call 111 in an emergency using VoLTE (Voice over Long Term Evolution), which means voice calls will work on our 4G and 5G networks if you're in a coverage area.
However, if your phone is not VoLTE compatible, and if you're in an area that doesn't have 3G coverage, then you won't be able to make any voice calls including to emergency services.
You can find more information about VoLTE here , and our coverage map is updated regularly here.