Mobile VoIP Vs VoLTE in Dallas

A cell phone carrier in Dallas, Texas announced earlier today that they would be utilizing VoLTE to run on a mobile network. Residents of Dallas/Ft. Worth hope to benefit from this emerging technology.

Competing mobile VoIP technology continues to make headlines.Dallas, Texas based Metro PCS announced that they will roll out a VoLTE technology that will service cell phone users starting in that area. Voice over Long Term Evolution is a competing technology set to phase out existing GSM 3G networks, due to it’s ability to work on new technology. VoLTE users will benefit from faster connectivity, better coverage in remote areas as well as a stronger connection to existing mobile networks. But how will this new technology fare against the rapid development of VoIP and Mobile VoIP networks? The two developing technologies deserve to be highlighted for their strengths and weaknesses. Like VHS and BETA, this may be a war in which there can only be one clear winner. Or maybe VoLTE will help advance mobile VoIP in the technology marketplace.

Understanding VoIP/Mobile VoIP

Voice over IP has proven it’s self to be a cheaper alternative to traditional cell phone technologies like GSM and 3G, simply because it doesn’t need to use any cellular network to place a call. However this is its downfall. In order to make calls via web based applications (think Skype on a Smartphone), one needs to be connected to the internet and also be using the same app as the person they are calling. Only then can you forward calls to your mobile device. This can be tricky as most smart phone users enable their devices’ WIFI to place a call. Once you’ve left the hotspot, you’re back on a cell phone network and are not saving money. Unless of course you sign up for a software based VoIP service and run the application on your mobile device. Only then can you reap the benefits and cost savings of a Mobile VoIP service. Therein lies a catch though. You will be limited to making VoIP calls to only others who are using the same VoIP service. This is where VoLTE can bridge the divide.

VoLTE And VoIP Convergence

Although only a handful of mobile carriers have signed on to VoLTE, it’s development looks promising. VolTE operates over radio waves, allowing it to seamlessly penetrate remote areas. Just over a year ago, cell phone carriers announced that web applications were being developed for use on Android phones. Though it is still unclear how VoLTE will save the user money, it’s partnership with existing networks hints at a brighter future for the VoIP crowd. If VoIP users are already making calls to each other using specific applications, they are already saving money even if they are not using WIFI. With VoLTE, users can place a call to another person who isn’t using the same network.

Solving The Puzzle of Cost Effectiveness

Will the development of VoLTE save us money? It’s still unclear how the convergence of mobile VoIP and VoLTE will take place. If other companies like Metro PCS integrate VoLTE into existing IP networks, only then will we see a marriage of cheaper technologies. Even so, we are still at the mercy of mobile providers as they may find a way to keep costs up, though that seems like a long shot.

In Todays world of telecommunications, companies increasingly demand cheaper alternatives. VoIP works well in the office, and it can be set up to run on your mobile device. Yet still, there is a little more that needs to happen. If we are to stay connected, keep off existing GSM 3G and 4G networks and still make cheap calls over the internet, VoLTE needs to be developed as a complimentary technology that furthers enhances mobile VoIP usability. Until these existing technologies play out, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed in hopes that cheaper mobile VoIP service takes precedence over costly data plans so many of us have grown accustomed to.