VoNR, or Voice over New Radio, is an emerging standard in the telecommunications sector, designed to enhance voice communication through 5G networks, surpassing the capabilities of VoLTE. Unlike VoLTE, VoNR operates exclusively on 5G Standalone networks, offering superior voice quality and faster connections. While currently limited in availability, with France’s Free leading the rollout, VoNR presents significant advancements alongside challenges as it continues to develop and expand its user base.
Understanding VoNR: The Future of Voice Communication
The telecommunications industry is filled with a myriad of acronyms, and one that is gaining traction with the advancement of the 5G network is VoNR, or Voice over New Radio. This term may sound familiar, as you might have spotted it in the corner of your smartphone screen, alongside your network signal bars.
VoNR is set to replace VoLTE, which emerged with 4G technology, offering a new way to handle voice communications through the 5G network. However, it’s important to note that we’re referring to true Standalone 5G, which has recently become available to the public.
What Makes VoNR Different from VoLTE?
In essence, VoNR represents a significant upgrade over VoLTE, functioning exclusively on the 5G network to deliver faster, more dependable, and higher-quality voice calls. Unlike VoLTE, VoNR lacks backward compatibility with 4G networks.
This new standard utilizes advanced technology, including the Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) codec, which significantly enhances call audio quality. Additionally, VoNR incorporates subnetting that prioritizes voice traffic over data, ensuring a smoother communication experience. While VoNR and VoLTE share similarities, the differences in performance and technology are noteworthy.
Accessing VoNR: The Current Landscape
While 5G has been available to the public for several years via various mobile plans, the emergence of VoNR is still in its infancy. Its availability is limited, and not all operators or regions in France currently support this new technology. The key to VoNR’s functionality lies in 5G Standalone (5G SA), which must be in place for it to operate effectively.
5G SA represents the purest form of 5G, featuring a dedicated core network designed to provide superior speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced connectivity. Although 5G SA has recently become accessible in France, VoNR remains in a limited rollout phase.
Pioneers of VoNR in France
In France, Free was the first operator to offer 5G SA and subsequently VoNR to the public. Customers can access VoNR through its 5G plans, such as the Free 5G plan, which includes 350 GB of data for €19.99 per month. However, users must activate the 5G SA option in their account settings.
Following Free’s lead, Orange has also introduced 5G SA, branded as 5G+, but access is more restricted, available only to professional customers with specific plans. Meanwhile, Bouygues Telecom and SFR are still conducting trials for 5G SA and VoNR, primarily targeting business customers for the time being.
The Benefits and Challenges of VoNR
VoNR offers several advantages over its predecessor, VoLTE, including improved voice quality and faster call connections. These enhancements not only elevate the telephony experience but also pave the way for innovative applications in other fields.
However, VoNR does come with its share of challenges as it is still in the early stages of deployment. As more users gain access to 5G SA and VoNR, any initial issues are expected to diminish over time.
In summary, VoNR represents a significant leap forward in voice communication technology, providing opportunities for enhanced connectivity and new applications. Its potential is vast, and as it becomes more widely adopted, it promises to transform how we communicate.