Search giant Google announced that it would release the software update for its 10 Pixel smartphones this June. This update will improve the smartphones' security patch level.

Pixel Gets VoLTE Update

Google's Pixel update came after several carriers in the United States announced in early 2022 that they are phasing out support for 3G cellular networks.

According to 9to5Mac, the search giant detailed how it will affect Pixel owners, while it released a Voice over LTE or VoLTE roaming update in June.

Google stated that shutting down the 3G networks will deactivate voice calling service on some devices, including calls to 911, unless the device supports Voice over LTE or VoLTE.

The new update will also add new features on Pixel phones and fix bugs.

Also Read: Google Pixel 6 March Update Reduces Haptic Feedback | No Adjustment Option?

Pixel Phones That Will Get the Update

The new software update enables VoLTE roaming on Pixel phones for several U.S. and global carriers.

According to GSMArena, the following phones that will get the update are Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a (5G), Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

However, if you are using an older Pixel smartphone, like the 2016 Pixel, Pixel 2, or Pixel 3, Google stated that users would experience issues with their home network, and the search giant recommends that they upgrade their device to a newer model so that they can get the VoLTE feature for roaming and voice calling services.

Importance of VoLTE

Voice over LTE or VoLTE happens when a phone carrier allows you to place a call over the LTE connection instead of the traditional voice networks.

Verizon Wireless uses 1XRTT for all of a customer's voice calls, relying on LTE for data. This is why Verizon phones can't use voice and data at the same time.

Meanwhile, AT&T and T-Mobile rely on LTE for data and HSPA+ for calls and would use a 3G signal when talking to someone on the other line. But with VoLTE, neither of these situations happen anymore.

Which Carries Support VoLTE

For Pixel owners who will get the update on their smartphone this June, your carrier needs to support VoLTE for it to work. The major US carriers that support it are AT&T, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Sprint, and Verizon.

Some carriers call VoLTE "H.D. Voice" for marketing reasons because it refers to its increased fidelity compared to a traditional call. Most customers use H.D. Voice when calling on their newer smartphones. Most Prepaid and MVNO carries are using H.D. Voice.

The Wi-Fi calling technology is similar to H.D. Voice from the user's perspective in that it uses a Wi-Fi data connection to complete the call instead of using the LTE data, according to AndroidCentral.

On all U.S. carriers, you can expect an increase in quality as long as the connection is great. Carriers want their customers to use VoLTE if possible because it will cost them less in the long run.

Some prepaid carriers in the U.S., like Visible, have even already moved to an all-digital network, with VoLTE available for calls.

Related Article: Google Android: Pixel Update to Fix Wireless Charging Issues on Device, Security Flaws

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Written by Sophie Webster