Key Highlights

  • Only 4G enabled handsets will be able to avail this service.
  • Even in the case of non-availability of 4G, Airtel VoLTE calls will automatically fall back on 3G/2G network.
  • With the VoLTE services data speeds of up to 135 Mbps will be provided to customers.

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Bharti Airtel on Monday rolled out its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services in Mumbai. However only 4G/LTE enabled handsets will be able to avail of this service.

“Bharti Airtel, India’s largest telecommunications services provider, today announced the launch of its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services in Mumbai. Airtel VoLTE, which works over 4G, will offer customers HD quality voice calls along with faster call set up time,” the company said.

“Airtel VoLTE will be available on popular 4G/LTE enabled mobile devices, which must have an Airtel 4G SIM. Customers can call any mobile, landline network using Airtel VoLTE. There will be no additional data charges for VoLTE and calls will be billed as per existing plan or packs benefits,” it added.

Last week, reports surfaced that the company was carrying out testing of its VoLTE service and it will be launched in Mumbai followed by Kolkata. Until now, the Mukesh Ambani backed telecom operator – Reliance Jio is the only company with nationwide coverage of 4G services.

“What truly differentiates Airtel VoLTE is the seamless connectivity enabled by Airtel’s wide 4G network coverage. Even in the case of non-availability of 4G, Airtel VoLTE calls will automatically fall back on 3G/2G network to ensure that customers continue to stay connected at all times. Airtel VoLTE will also allow customers to continue with their data sessions at 4G speeds while the call is in progress,” Airtel said.  

Abhay Savargaonkar, Director – Networks, Bharti Airtel said, “Airtel has built a world-class 4G network across India and with the VoLTE compatible device ecosystem beginning to mature, we believe it’s the right time to enable VoLTE calling as part of our service portfolio. Over the next few months, we will rapidly accelerate the deployment of VoLTE to cover all key geographies to bring HD quality calling to our customers. We keenly look forward to our device partners enabling Airtel VoLTE on their smartphones.”

How to get Airtel VoLTE in four steps as listed by the company:

1.Check mobile device compatibility at www.airtel.in/volte. Airtel has tested and certified popular device models for VoLTE compatibility. More models will keep getting added to this list.  
2.Upgrade the mobile device’s operating software to the latest version that supports VoLTE. This update is provided by the handset manufacturer.
3.Ensure the device has a Airtel 4G SIM. Customers can upgrade to the 4G SIM by visiting the nearest Airtel store.
4.Enable VoLTE by following instructions on www.airtel.in/volte

Customers with dual-SIM handsets have to ensure that the Airtel 4G SIM has been inserted in the data SIM slot/slot 1 and network mode has been set as '4G/3G/2G (Auto).' 

Some of the popular device models compatible with Airtel VoLTE – iPhone SE / 6 /6plus/ 6S / 6S plus/7/7plus; Samsung J700 / A800/J2 Pro/J2 2016; Xiaomi MiMax Prime / Redmi Note 4 / Mimax / Mi5; Gionee A1, Oppo F3 plus. 

"Airtel has also deployed 4G Advanced Carrier Aggregation technology in Mumbai that enables data speeds of up to 135 Mbps by combining spectrum capacities in 2300 Mhz (TD LTE) and 1800 Mhz (FD LTE)," the company added.