Vodafone trialing 4G phone calls for 2015 launch

Vodafone today announced that it will enable its customers to make phone calls over the 4G spectrum later this year, and that it is currently trialling the technology. Also known as Voice over LTE (VoLTE), the telco says 4G calling will result in quicker connections and clearer audio.

"With VoLTE, customers will enjoy call connection times that are two to three times quicker," said Benoit Hanssen, Vodafone's Chief Technology Officer. "There’ll be virtually no lag between pressing the call button and being connected to the number you’ve dialled."

4G calling will require a device compatible with the technology. VoLTE-compatible smartphones include the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, the Samsung Galaxy S5 , Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Nokia Lumia 830, Sony Xperia Z3 and Sony Xperia Z3 Compact.

At present, Australian mobile phone users are only able to make phone calls using the 2G and 3G spectrums, as 4G was originally developed as data-only platform.

In November last year, Telstra announced that it will also be deploying VoLTE for its customers in 2015.