eety, HoT & Lidl Connect activate VoLTE and VoWIFI - for better voice quality

The two tariff brands Lidl Connect and HoT of the two Austrian discounters are starting the introduction of VoLTE and VoWIFI together with eety. eety and Lidl Connect use the Drei network, while HoT relies on the Magenta network.

VoLTE and VoWIFI are not new technologies. So far, however, they were only reserved for the more expensive tariffs of the network operators. Specifically related to three and magenta, VoLTE and VoWIFI have been available for many tariffs there for a long time. Both features help to improve the quality of calls.

What are VoLTE and VoWIFI?

• Volta uses - as the name suggests - the (4G) LTE network to handle calls. Until now, calls were always made via the 2G (known as: E) or 3G network (also known with the network display: H/H+). The problem: in these two networks, calls and data do not work simultaneously. So when an incoming call came in, the phone had to first switch away from the 4G network in order to be able to accept it at all. In the 4G/LTE network, both work simultaneously and now without delay when an incoming call comes in. Furthermore, you can now continue to surf in the LTE/4G network during a call instead of the slow 3G.
  In addition, VoLTE increases the voice quality and makes voices clearer. The advantages are obvious: faster call setup, better voice quality, faster Internet while making calls and use of the often well-developed LTE network.
• VoWIFI makes it possible to continue making calls even if there is no or poor reception. The call simply runs over the WLAN connection. Go out the door because there is no reception? That's history.

Unlock VoLTE and VoWIFI at eety, HoT and Lidl Connect

The reason for this rapid, joint activation is probably the shutdown of the 3G network. The three major mobile phone providers A1, Drei and Magenta are gradually dismantling this network in order to concentrate on the expansion of 4G and 5G respectively. In order to continue to be able to offer two networks for calls, other tariffs and providers will follow suit shortly.

While eety and Lidl Connect fully support VoLTE & VoWIFI, this is currently not the case with HoT. With the former two, the functions are supported by all new Android and iOS smartphones. HoT generally does not yet support VoWIFI, but VoLTE currently only works on iPhones and Google Pixel smartphones.

Instructions for Android

• Activate VoLTE (usually active automatically): "Settings" > "Network and Internet"/"Connections" > "SIM" > check "VoLTE" (varies depending on the smartphone)
• Enable VoWIFI: (varies by smartphone): Settings > Network & Internet/Connections > SIM > Wi-Fi Calling

Instructions for iOS

• Activate VoLTE (usually active automatically): "Settings" > "Cellular network" > "Data options" > "Activate LTE"
• Enable VoWIFI: Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling

Incidentally, VoLTE and VoWIFI are now included for all customers in all tariffs eety, Lidl Connect and HoT unlocked, as numerous users in LTE Forum to report.