The two top U.S. wireless carriers are taking a break from exchanging quirky zingers over network coverage and plan offerings and are ironing out a new service that will allow subscribers to exchange voice calls seamlessly over both networks.
While many carriers relay voice calls over second-generation wireless networks, AT&T and Verizon's agreements will route calls through Voice over LTE (VoLTE). Subscribers of either wireless carrier will enjoy high-definition voice calls. VoLTE is an all-IP technology that integrates the network's enhanced calling features into the smartphone to give customers a better mobile experience.
Verizon and AT&T hope to roll out VoLTE sometime in 2015. Tony Melone, chief technology officer at Verizon, says he hopes more carriers will join in the VoLTE revolution.
"Interoperability among all VoLTE providers takes connectivity to the next level with HD-quality voice and additional features that customers want," says Melone. "We're pleased to be working with AT&T as our first interoperating carrier, and we look forward to working with other operators as VoLTE continues to grow."
There have been soft launches of VoLTE this year by AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Right now subscribers in the select cities where the service is offered can only call customers on the same network.
While the Federal Communications Commission explores frequencies that promise exponentially faster transfer over mobile networks than current offerings, long-term evolution technology, or LTE, is already here. But with VoLTE service limited, it's imperative carriers work together to provide the seamlessness already delivered by established wireless technologies, according to Krish Prabhu, president of AT&T Labs and chief technology officer.
"Interoperability of VoLTE between wireless carriers is crucial to a positive customer experience," says Prabhu. "Customers expect to be able to connect anywhere, anytime -- and as LTE technology continues to evolve, it's imperative that we provide a seamless experience between carriers. We are pleased to work with Verizon on this initiative."
Just days before Verizon and AT&T revealed they're capable of playing nice with each other for the greater good, the top wireless carrier struck back against data deals delivered by number two.
To keep the competition raging with AT&T, Verizon stepped up the data it offers in its More Everything plans. The $80 plan's data was pushed up to 10 GB from 6 GB, while the $100 plan was bumped up to 15 GB from 1 0GB.
Though AT&T has been more generous with the amount of data it allots customers, the wireless carrier is accused of being stingy with the speeds at which that data transfers to and from mobile devices. Meanwhile, Verizon is leading the charge with forcing cookies on to its subscribers' devices.
