VoLTE stands for Voice Over LTE (Long-Term-Evolution). LTE is another name for 4G. Most providers refer to VoLTE as HD Calling.

If your network provider offers VoLTE, then you won’t need to pay any extra to use it. Keep in mind, however, that not every phone and not every service will be compatible with the service.

What is VoLTE and how can you get it in Australia?

Alex Angove-Plumb - Digital Content Editor

Last updated 05 April 2024

Contents

In this guide:

What is VoLTE?
Does my phone have VoLTE?
Telstra VoLTE
Optus VoLTE
Vodafone VoLTE
VoLTE FAQs

VoLTE has resurged as a hot topic in Australia. It refers to a phone or other device’s ability to make calls over 4G networks – now crucial feature thanks to the impending shut down of the nation’s 3G networks.

Almost all 4G-capable mobile phones in Australia support VoLTE, but not all. It's no longer certain when the unlucky few will be cut off, thanks to the Optus and Telstra 3G network shutdown possibly being delayed due to concerns about emergency call support, but it will eventually happen. Vodafone finished shutting down its 3G network in January this year.

What is VoLTE?

The types of 4G we use in Australia fall under the category of 'Long-Term-Evolution' (LTE). The technical term for making calls over LTE networks is 'Voice over LTE' (VoLTE).

Once billed as ‘HD calling’, VoLTE is now the standard technology for mobile phone calls, and it will be the most basic option possible once the nation's 3G networks shut down.

As you might guess from the name, HD calling allows better-quality audio. The higher data rate of 4G also means VoLTE can make your phone calls sound clearer, thanks in part to a degree of background noise filtering.

Does my phone have VoLTE?

If your phone was released from 2019 onward, you can be reasonably confident it has VoLTE.

Even so, there are an estimated 740,000 (generally older) phones in Australia that work on 4G, but can't make emergency Triple Zero calls over VoLTE. There are also quite a few much 4G phone models that don't support VoLTE at all.

This could be a serious safety issue once Optus and Telstra shut down their 3G networks. The 3G shutdown dates are currently June 2024 for Telstra, and September 2024 for Optus, but these dates might be pushed back due to the aforementioned safety concerns. Vodafone had already finished shutting down its 3G network before the potential delays were proposed.

Here are some 4G phones that won't be able to make calls at all on the Telstra and Optus networks after the 3G shutdown:

Telstra
Optus

4G phones that won't be able to make calls with Telstra

Apple iPhone 5

Apple iPhone 5C

Apple iPhone 5S

Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung Galaxy S6

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

4G phones that won't be able to make calls with Optus

Apple iPhone 5

Apple iPhone 5C

Apple iPhone 5S

Google Pixel 2 XL

Huawei Y6 Prime

Oppo A57

Oppo F1s

Optus X Smart 4G

Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

If you'd like to know more, check out our guide about which 4G phones won't work after 3G networks are shut down.

Telstra VoLTE

Your Telstra calls are likely already using VoLTE whenever possible, no matter if you're on a prepaid or postpaid plan.

That said, Telstra didn't manage to shut down its 3G network before the Federal Government announced possible delays, and so not all the telco's calls operate over VoLTE just yet.

Check out Telstra's prepaid and postpaid mobile plans:

#1	Telstra	Telstra $44 Pre-Paid Mobile 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 30GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 20GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Telstra	Telstra $54 Pre-Paid Mobile 75GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 40GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 35GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Telstra	Telstra $64 Pre-Paid Mobile 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps 4GX on the Telstra Mobile Network Deal: Includes 55GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 45GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $64.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$64.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Telstra	Telstra $74 Pre-Paid Mobile 155GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 75GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges, 80GB from your fourth. Ends 01.01.2027 $74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$74.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront SIM Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $74.00/mth Min. cost $74 Link not supplied	$74.00/mth Min. cost $74	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $84.00/mth Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$84.00/mth Min. cost $84	Link not supplied
#7	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $99.00/mth Min. cost $99 Link not supplied	$99.00/mth Min. cost $99	Link not supplied
#8	Telstra	Telstra $200 Pre-Paid Mobile Plan 160GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 80GB bonus data on activation or first recharge, 80GB on future recharges. Activate by 02.11.2027. $200.00 Per 6 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$200.00 Per 6 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	Telstra	Telstra $395 Pre-Paid Mobile Plan 180GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $395.00 Per 12 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$395.00 Per 12 Month Renewal	Link not supplied

Telstra also allows VoLTE on all its network resellers (MVNOs). Here's a selection of the most popular plans on the Telstra network:

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 60GB data on first 6 recharges, then 30GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Saver 4G Plan 15GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: FREE 2nd recharge for existing Superloop broadband customers or new customers signing up for a mobile & broadband service $25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Exetel	Exetel Plus One eSIM Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $28 Mobile Plan 12GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Optus VoLTE

Calls via the Optus Network already use VoLTE where possible, though still fall back to 3G when necessary. That is, until the telco shuts down its 3G network, currently slated for September 2024.

Here are Optus' prepaid and postpaid plans:

#1	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $15 SIM 6GB Speed capped at 250Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 11GB data with AutoRecharge (6GB standard & 5GB bonus data). T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$15.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $40 SIM (AutoRecharge only) 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $13 SIM deal - 1st 28 days only. Ends 3/11. Make the smart move to Optus. New services only. T&Cs apply. $40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $44 SIM 110GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Enjoy bonus data on activation and your next 2 recharges when you switch to Optus. Activate by 07/04/27. T&Cs apply $44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$44.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $50 SIM (AutoRecharge only) 120GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $17 SIM deal - 1st 28 days only. Ends 3/11. Make the smart move to Optus. New services only. T&Cs apply. $50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $54 SIM 130GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Enjoy bonus data on activation and your next 2 recharges when you switch to Optus. Activate by 07/04/27. T&Cs apply $54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$54.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $64 SIM 150GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Enjoy bonus data on activation and your next 2 recharges when you switch to Optus. Activate by 07/04/27. T&Cs apply $64.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$64.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $69.00/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69.00/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#9	Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $70.00/mth Min. cost $70 Go to Site	$70.00/mth Min. cost $70	Go to Site
#10	Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $90.00/mth Min. cost $90 Go to Site	$90.00/mth Min. cost $90	Go to Site

All other providers on the Optus Network also support VoLTE. Here are some popular plans from Optus mobile resellers:

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#2	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick Medium Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#4	Yomojo	Yomojo Starter 29GB Plan 29GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	amaysim	amaysim 7-day UNLIMITED 10GB Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $10.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$10.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Vodafone VoLTE

All calls from prepaid and postpaid phone plans on the Vodafone Network use VoLTE. Given the telco finished shutting down its 3G network in early 2024, there's no option to fall back to 3G when VoLTE coverage is spotty.

Here's a look at how Vodafone's mobile plans compare:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone $13 Prepaid Plus Recharge 5GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 1GB extra data on every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $13.00 Per 7 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$13.00 Per 7 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $40 Prepaid Plus Recharge 90GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 60GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$40.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium SIM Only Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $50.00/mth Min. cost $50 Go to Site	$50.00/mth Min. cost $50	Go to Site
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone $50 Prepaid Plus Recharge 120GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 80GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$50.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large SIM Only Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $55.00/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55.00/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#7	Vodafone	Vodafone $60 Prepaid Plus Recharge 165GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 110GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + $5 off with every Automatic Recharge $60.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$60.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Vodafone resellers all support VoLTE (if they didn't, their customers wouldn't be able to make calls). Check out these popular plans from other providers on the Vodafone Network:

$58 Small SIM Only Plan

65GB data
Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$45.00/mth

Min. cost $45

Go to Site

$45.00/mth

Min. cost $45

Go to Site

Small Monthly Plan

25GB data
On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network

$23.00

Per 30 Day Renewal

Go to Site

$23.00

Per 30 Day Renewal

Go to Site

$25 SIM Plan

25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps
Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices

$25.00

Per 28 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

$25.00

Per 28 Day Renewal

Link not supplied

VoLTE FAQs

VoLTE vs. WiFi calling

Where VoLTE makes calls over 4G, WiFi calling utilises a fixed broadband connection. WiFi calling can be useful in areas with poor mobile coverage or high congestion, but on your end, you shouldn't notice which is being used except for under rare circumstances.

Not all telcos in Australia support WiFi calling. Some smaller providers are missing this option.

Is VoLTE free?

You don’t pay extra to use VoLTE versus 3G calls. It's also a standard phone inclusion these days, so there's no cost added to a handset just because it has VoLTE.

Will my phone work with VoLTE?

Your phone probably already uses VoLTE for calls. If you're concerned the 3G network shutdowns will affect you, check out our guide about which 4G phones don't work with VoLTE.

Alex Angove-Plumb

Digital Content Editor

Alex Angove-Plumb is a Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut and an award-winning journalist. He's been in the tech publishing industry since 2010, putting him a few short years away from the title of Grizzled Ancient in his chosen profession. He was an original WhistleOut-er before running NBN Co's corporate blog for two years, then moving on to a lengthy stint at CHOICE. Now he's come home.

Read full bio