MTN Ghana VoLTE now available for some subscribers
Meaning of VoLTE
VoLTE means Voice over LTE, and LTE can be explained as 4G.
This means voice calls are possible on 4G, without having to rely on the temporary use of 3G or 2G during voice calls.
Though WhatsApp could be used for voice calls on 4G even without VoLTE, VoLTE skips queues and can be better where the network is slow. VoLTE has a priority of 5 or 1, and data can have a priority of 6. WhatsApp does not skip queues.
Improved call quality
This is by using Adaptive Multi Rate Wideband at up to 23.85Kbps* instead of using Adaptive Multi Rate Wideband at up to 12.65Kbps.
However, calls to AirtelTigo numbers, Glo numbers, and shortcodes are instead with Adaptive Multi Rate Narrowband at up to 12.2Kbps*. This includes shortcodes that play music.
* Subject to change.
Message
There is a message associated with VoLTE.
"Y'ello! You can now enjoy improved voice calls and data activities concurrently with the VoLTE service. To activate this service, go to phone settings and turn on VoLTE and check for the VoLTE signal at the top right side of your screen. Click this link for more info https://mtn.com.gh/volte/ Let's Go!"
The message appears to precede the ability to use VoLTE.
Concurrent data and voice
Concurrent data and voice was, effectively, only available with 4G deactivated in the settings of phones, and 3G used.
With VoLTE, concurrent data and voice is also available in 4G, a radio access technology that's more reliable and often faster.
How to check whether or not VoLTE is active
Compatible Samsung phones display a VoLTE icon. Also, with a call, the 4G icon does not become H+, H, 3G, E, or G, except where there is bad 4G reception or a fault.
Phone compatible with VoLTE, but there is no VoLTE
The VoLTE-compatible phone must be compatible with MTN Ghana VoLTE. Bear in mind that this is not about the bands or frequencies.
It also appears that it is only available for some subscribers.
If it is not available, the "EPS network feature support" is not included, so "IMS voice over PS session in S1 mode: Supported" is not included (i.e. it is not supported).
Hence, "#IMSREGI: (1, MTN GHANA VOLTE) NOT_TRIGGERED : VOPS_OFF", and the phone does not request VoLTE even if it is enabled in the Settings app.
If it is available, the "EPS network feature support" is included, with the following content:
EPS network feature support
Control plane CIoT EPS optimization: Not supported
EMM-REGISTERED w/o PDN connectivity: Not supported
Support of EXTENDED SERVICE REQUEST for packet services: Not supported
CS-LCS: no information about support of location services via CS domain is available (0)
Location services via EPC: Not supported
Emergency bearer services in S1 mode: Not supported
IMS voice over PS session in S1 mode: Supported
The "EPS network feature support" is also excluded with "Set Preferred Network Type": LTE only, "UE's usage setting": Voice centric.
