Verizon Wireless today announced the pending launch of its delayed VoLTE service. The service will go live in the coming weeks, and will allow select devices to connect HD Voice calls and Video Calls.
Advanced Calling 1.0 uses Verizon’s LTE 4G network and requires that both devices have LTE coverage. Callers will be able to see who among their Verizon Wireless contacts are available for HD Voice and Video Calling with simple icons in the contact application. Both participants need to be Verizon customers.
HD Voice and VoLTE-backed Video Calling won’t work if a Verizon customer calls someone who uses a competing network. The audio portion of Video Calls will be in high-definition, and calls can be switched from voice-only to video and back with ease. According to Verizon, VoLTE service will launch nationwide and arrive on compatible devices through a software update.
Verizon didn’t say which devices will be compatible, but HD Voice and Video Calling over VoLTE will be free to use. T-Mobile offers VoLTE-backed HD Voice over much of its LTE footprint. AT&T launched VoLTE in May in a handful of markets.
