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?

By Alex Angove-Plumb

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 $39 Pre-Paid Mobile 55GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 40GB bonus data on first 3 recharges. $39 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$39 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Telstra	Telstra $49 Pre-Paid Mobile 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 55GB bonus data on first 3 recharges. $49 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$49 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#3	Telstra	Telstra $59 Pre-Paid Mobile 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps 4GX on the Telstra Mobile Network Deal: Includes 65GB bonus data on first 3 recharges. $59 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$59 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Telstra	Telstra $65 Basic Upfront SIM Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $65/mth Min. cost $65 Link not supplied	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Link not supplied
#5	Telstra	Telstra $69 Pre-Paid Mobile 125GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 55GB bonus data on first 3 recharges. $69 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$69 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra $75 Essential Upfront SIM Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $75/mth Min. cost $75 Link not supplied	$75/mth Min. cost $75	Link not supplied
#7	Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront SIM Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get your first 3 months device protect on Telstra, then $10/mth. $99/mth Min. cost $99 Link not supplied	$99/mth Min. cost $99	Link not supplied
#8	Telstra	Telstra $180 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit 150GB 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. $180 Per 6 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$180 Per 6 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#9	Telstra	Telstra $350 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit 310GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes 145GB bonus data on activation or first recharge. $350 Per 12 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$350 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	Belong	Belong 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $30/mth Min. cost $30 Go to Site	$30/mth Min. cost $30	Go to Site
#2	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $26 Prepaid 17GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 17GB data for the first 3 recharges, then 7GB from 4th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 07.07.25 $26 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$26 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: Bundle your mobile and nbn plans on the same account to get 10% off your mobile SIM-only plan fees. T&Cs apply. $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site
#4	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Saver 4G Plan 15GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network $25 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	More	More 25GB 5G Mobile SIM 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses Telstra Wholesale 4G/5G mobile networks Deal: $5/mth off mobile plan fees for 12 mths then 10% off ongoing if you are a CommBank customer - $25/mth for 12 mths, then $27/mth $32/mth Min. cost $32 Go to Site	$32/mth Min. cost $32	Go to Site

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 $12 SIM 5GB Speed capped at 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 5GB data on first 3 recharges, 3GB standard data thereafter. New services only. Speed caps apply. T&Cs apply $12 Per 7 Day Renewal Go to Site	$12 Per 7 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $35 SIM 40GB Speed capped at 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 40GB on first 3 recharges before 28/04/25 for new services only. Note plan changes from 28/4/2025. Fair Go Policy and T&Cs apply. $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $45 SIM 60GB Speed capped at 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get unlimited data, every weekend when you stay connected with AutoRecharge. Fair Go Policy and T&Cs apply. $45 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$45 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus Optus Prepaid $55 SIM 80GB Speed capped at 250Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: Get unlimited data, every weekend when you stay connected with AutoRecharge. Fair Go Policy and T&Cs apply. $55 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$55 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $65/mth Min. cost $65 Go to Site	$65/mth Min. cost $65	Go to Site
#7	Optus	Optus $79 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/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#8	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB 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 $85/mth Min. cost $85 Go to Site	$85/mth Min. cost $85	Go to Site

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

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#2	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick $28 Mobile Plan 30GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: 50% off for first 3 mths! Get the $28 Mobile Plan for $14/mth for the first 3 mths. New customers only. Offer ends 06.05.25 $28/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$28/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device $55/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#4	Catch Connect	Catch Connect 28 Day Plan - 15GB 25GB data Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network in available areas Deal: Get 25GB (15GB + 10GB bonus) for the first 12 recharges! Recharges $20/15GB. New customers only. Offer ends 30.04.25 $20 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$20 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Yomojo	Yomojo Unlimited Voice & SMS + 8GB 8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: 50% off on all Mobile Plans for the first 3 months. Ends 31.05.25. T&Cs apply. $19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site

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 $35 Prepaid Plus Recharge 25GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get $5 off every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $35 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$35 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small SIM Only Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone $45 Prepaid Plus Recharge 35GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get $5 off every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $45 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$45 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $59 Medium SIM Only Plan 360GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 360GB for $49 (incl. 180GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $59 Medium plan. T&Cs apply. $49/mth Min. cost $49 Go to Site	$49/mth Min. cost $49	Go to Site
#5	Vodafone	Vodafone $55 Prepaid Plus Recharge 50GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get $5 off every Automatic Recharge when you opt-in to Automatic Recharge $55 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$55 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Vodafone	Vodafone $69 Large SIM Only Plan 720GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 720GB for $59 (incl. 360GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $69 Large plan. T&Cs apply. $59/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site

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:

#1	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $12.50/mth for first 3 mths, then $25/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $49 Small SIM Only Plan 100GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $39 (incl. 50GB bonus + $10/mth off) on the $49 Small plan. T&Cs apply. $39/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#5	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick	Kogan Mobile Editor's Pick Small Monthly Plan 15GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $20 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$20 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

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.