If you are an Airtel Kenya subscriber, you might have noticed a new icon on your phone’s status bar: VoLTE. This stands for Voice over LTE, a technology that allows you to make and receive high-quality voice calls over the 4G network.
But what exactly is VoLTE and how does it benefit you? In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions about VoLTE and how to use it on your Airtel Kenya SIM card.
What is VoLTE and how does it work?
VoLTE is a technology that enables voice calls to be carried over the 4G network, instead of the traditional 2G or 3G networks. This means that your voice is converted into data packets and transmitted over the same network that you use for browsing, streaming, and downloading. VoLTE offers several advantages over the conventional voice calls, such as:
- Improved voice quality: VoLTE delivers crystal-clear HD voice calls that are free from background noise and distortion. You can also enjoy faster call setup and seamless switching between voice and video calls.
- Better network coverage: VoLTE uses the 4G network, which has wider coverage and stronger signal than the 2G or 3G networks. This means that you can make and receive voice calls in areas where you previously had poor or no voice service.
- Enhanced battery life: VoLTE consumes less power than the 2G or 3G networks, as your phone does not need to switch between different networks for voice and data. This can help extend your battery life and reduce overheating issues.
- Simultaneous voice and data: VoLTE allows you to use voice and data services at the same time on the same network. This means that you can browse the web, send messages, or use apps while on a voice call without any interruption or degradation in quality.
How to activate VoLTE on your Airtel Kenya SIM card?
To enjoy VoLTE on your Airtel Kenya SIM card, you need to have the following:
- A 4G-enabled smartphone that supports VoLTE. You can check if your phone is compatible with VoLTE by visiting this page.
- A 4G SIM card from Airtel Kenya. You can upgrade your existing SIM card to a 4G SIM card for free at any Airtel shop or agent.
- A 4G data plan from Airtel Kenya. You can choose from a variety of data bundles that suit your needs and budget by dialing *544# or visiting https://www.airtelkenya.com/internet-4g
- A VoLTE-enabled location. You can check if your area has VoLTE coverage by visiting https://www.airtelkenya.com/openNetworks
Related:
- What is VoLTE and does my smartphone support it?
- How to activate Safaricom VoLTE on supported devices
- Safaricom VoLTE goes live countrywide. Here are the supported devices
- Dual SIM Dual VoLTE will support HD Calls on both your SIM cards
Once you have all the above requirements, you can activate VoLTE on your phone by following these steps:
- Go to your phone’s settings and enable 4G or LTE mode.
- Go to your phone’s settings and enable VoLTE or HD Voice option. This may vary depending on your phone model and software version.
- Restart your phone and wait for the VoLTE icon to appear on your status bar.
- You are now ready to make and receive VoLTE calls on your Airtel Kenya SIM card.
How to make a VoLTE call on your Airtel Kenya SIM card?
Making a VoLTE call on your Airtel Kenya SIM card is as easy as making a regular voice call. Just dial the number of the person you want to call and press the call button. If both you and the person you are calling have VoLTE enabled on your phones and SIM cards, you will see the VoLTE icon on your call screen.
This indicates that you are on a VoLTE call. If either of you does not have VoLTE enabled, you will see the regular call icon. This indicates that you are on a normal voice call.
How much does it cost to use VoLTE on your Airtel Kenya SIM card?
Using VoLTE on your Airtel Kenya SIM card does not incur any extra charges or fees. You will be charged according to your existing voice tariff plan or bundle. However, if you are using data services while on a VoLTE call, you will be charged according to your data plan or bundle.
What are some of the challenges or limitations of using VoLTE on your Airtel Kenya SIM card?
While VoLTE offers many benefits, it also has some challenges or limitations that you should be aware of, such as:
- Compatibility issues: Not all phones support VoLTE, and not all networks offer VoLTE services. This means that you may not be able to use VoLTE with some phones or in some countries or regions.
- Network availability: VoLTE depends on the availability and quality of the 4G network. If the 4G network is weak or unavailable in your area, you may not be able to use VoLTE or experience poor voice quality.
- Roaming charges: If you are traveling outside Kenya and using a foreign network that supports VoLTE, you may incur roaming charges for using data services while on a VoLTE call. You should check with your service provider before using VoLTE abroad.
Conclusion
VoLTE is a technology that enhances your voice calling experience by delivering high-quality HD voice calls over the 4G network. It also offers other benefits such as better network coverage, enhanced battery life, and simultaneous voice and data usage.
To use VoLTE on your Airtel Kenya SIM card, you need to have a compatible phone, a 4G SIM card, a 4G data plan, and a VoLTE-enabled location. You can activate VoLTE on your phone by enabling 4G and VoLTE modes in your settings and restarting your phone. You can make a VoLTE call by dialing the number of the person you want to call as usual. You will not be charged extra for using VoLTE, but you will be charged for using data services while on a VoLTE call.