Latest news with #VoiceoverLTE
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Time of India
Why does your phone skip ringing when someone calls? A telecom expert breaks it down
Why does your phone skip ringing when someone calls? A telecom expert breaks it down It's a situation almost everyone has experienced. You're expecting a call - maybe it's a job interview, an important update from a friend, or even a delivery confirmation. Your phone is in your hand or sitting next to you, volume up, ringer on. But somehow, the call never comes through. Minutes later, you spot it: a missed call notification. Confused, you wonder how it's possible your phone didn't ring when someone tried to reach you. You're not imagining things. According to telecommunications experts writing in The Conversation , this isn't just a glitch; it's the result of how modern cellular networks like 4G and 5G operate, combined with software settings, battery management, and the way your phone interacts with towers. The issue isn't necessarily your phone, it's the system behind it. Why your phone sends calls to voicemail without ringing To understand the issue, it helps to know how mobile voice calls work today. In earlier days, 3G networks handled calls using circuit-switched technology, which was relatively straightforward. But with the rise of 4G and 5G, everything changed. These newer networks carry voice calls as data, using technologies called Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for 4G and Voice over New Radio (VoNR) for 5G. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo When someone places a call to you, your phone needs to be registered with what's known as an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a network framework that allows data-based calling. This registration happens in the background when your phone connects to a tower. But if that registration fails due to a temporary glitch, poor signal strength, or software error, the call won't come through. It might be sent straight to voicemail, or it might fail altogether. As The Conversation explains, both the caller's and receiver's phones must be properly registered with IMS for a call to succeed. If either end is not properly logged in, the call might never ring. Why your phone might stop ringing after the 3G shutdown Here's where things get trickier. In some regions, like New Zealand, and more recently in Australia, 3G networks are being shut down. That means older phones or phones without VoLTE or VoNR enabled have no legacy network to fall back on when 4G or 5G fails. Australia completed its 3G shutdown in 2024, and New Zealand is following suit. Phones that don't support or haven't enabled VoLTE or VoNR will attempt to drop back to a non-existent 3G network. That results in missed calls, silent failures, and the dreaded 'voicemail without ringing' experience. If your phone hasn't been updated or you've disabled VoLTE/VoNR for any reason, you could be affected without realising it. Technical glitches and signal handover failures Even if your phone supports VoLTE, it can still miss calls due to registration hiccups. This can happen because of a software bug, a SIM card not making full contact with its tray, or a tower failing to hand off the connection properly when you're on the move. Network handovers, where your phone moves from one cell tower to another, are especially fragile during a call setup. If the handover occurs right as the call is coming in, your phone might miss the signal entirely. According to engineers cited in The Conversation, issues like these are particularly common during transitions between 4G and 5G coverage zones, where devices switch frequency bands or drop down to less congested towers. Battery-saving features can silence your phone On Android phones, especially, battery optimisation features can unintentionally block calls. Many manufacturers design custom battery-saving modes that aggressively limit background activity. If the phone app is being restricted, either by the system or a third-party cleaner or battery saver, it might not be ready to ring when a call comes in. Some antivirus apps or call-blocking tools can also mislabel incoming calls as suspicious and block them before your phone has a chance to notify you. Messaging apps with phone call capabilities may interfere as well if they're set as defaults or use custom notification systems. Telecom experts stress the importance of reviewing your battery optimisation settings and excluding essential apps like Phone, Contacts, and Messages to prevent this kind of disruption. Coverage dead zones still exist, even in cities Despite improvements in network coverage, dead zones - small areas with poor signal reception - still persist. These can be caused by building materials, elevation, or even being near certain types of electrical interference. In a firsthand account shared by The Conversation, one user based in suburban Auckland, New Zealand, reported consistently missing calls depending on where they were in their home. Sometimes, the phone wouldn't ring unless Wi-Fi calling was enabled. And when it was, the calls often came through perfectly. This suggests that, in many cases, enabling Wi-Fi calling (offered by most carriers) can help compensate for local coverage issues. If you regularly miss calls at home or in your workplace, toggling on Wi-Fi calling could be a quick and powerful solution. What you can do to prevent missed calls If your phone consistently fails to ring, don't panic. Here are some steps recommended by communication specialists and mobile providers: Make sure VoLTE and VoNR are enabled in your phone's network settings. Restart your device regularly to reinitiate tower registration. Toggle Airplane Mode for 30 seconds to refresh network signals. Check battery optimisation and remove restrictions on essential apps. Update your phone's system software and carrier settings. Clean and reseat your SIM card to ensure a proper connection. Enable WiFi calling if you're in an area with known signal issues. Contact your mobile provider to confirm that your phone is fully compatible with their VoLTE/VoNR infrastructure. These simple checks can eliminate most of the causes behind missed call notifications that never triggered a ringtone. When it's out of your hands Despite your best efforts, sometimes calls still won't come through. That's because you're relying on a highly complex system of towers, frequencies, handovers, software protocols, and background services. And like any system with that much complexity, there will be moments when things slip through the cracks. Telecom engineers agree: while the industry is moving toward more stable, cloud-managed networks, occasional failures are still an expected part of mobile communications. It doesn't mean your phone is broken. It just means the system is still evolving. Also read | The Simpsons' predictions for 2025 are shockingly accurate, and they'll give you chills
The Print
22-06-2025
- The Print
I got a call but the phone never rang—communications expert explains why this happens
There's a certain feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I'm waiting for an important call to come through. You know the type – maybe a call from your boss, a potential new employer or news of a loved one who's due to give birth. Then it pops up – the missed call notification. But the phone never rang. What happened? In these situations, I usually stare at my phone, willing it to ring. I make sure – over and again – it's not on silent or 'do not disturb' mode. When the screen is out of my sight, I imagine I can hear the familiar ringtone. How do mobile calls work? When making a mobile call using 4G or 5G networks, the caller dials a number and their network operator (Telstra or OneNZ, for example) routes the request to the recipient's device. For this to work, both phones must be registered with an IP Multimedia Subsystem – or IMS – which automatically happens when you turn on your phone. IMS is the system that allows the combination of voice calls, messages and video communications. Both phones must also be connected to a 4G or 5G cell phone tower. The caller's network sends an invite to the recipient's device, which will then start to ring. This process is usually very fast. But as generations of cellular networks have evolved (remember 3G?), becoming faster and with greater capacity, they have also become more complex, with new potential points of failure. From phone failures to 'dead zones' Mobile phones use Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for 4G networks or Voice over New Radio (VoNR) for 5G. These are technologies that enable voice calls over those two types of networks and they use the above mentioned IMS. In some countries such as New Zealand, if either of these aren't enabled or supported on your device (some phones have VoLTE disabled by default), it may attempt to fall back to the 3G network, which was switched off in Australia in 2024 and is currently being phased out in New Zealand. If this fallback fails or is delayed, the recipient's phone may not ring or may go straight to voicemail. Another possibility is that your phone may have failed to register with the IMS network. If this happens – due to something like a software glitch, SIM issue, or network problem – a phone won't receive the call signal and won't ring. Then there are handover issues. Each cell phone tower covers a particular area, and if you are moving, your call will be handed over to the tower that provides the best coverage. Sometimes your phone uses 5G for data but 4G for voice; if the handover between 5G and 4G is slow or fails, the call might not ring. If 5G is used for both data and voice, VoNR is used, which is still not widely supported and may fail. Mobile apps introduce other potential problems. For example, on Android, aggressive battery-saving features can restrict background processes, including the phone app, preventing it from responding to incoming calls. Third-party apps such as call blockers, antivirus tools, or even messaging apps can also interfere with call notifications. Finally, if your phone is in an area with poor reception, it may not receive the call signal in time to ring. These so-called 'dead zones' are more common than telcos would like to admit. I live at the end of a long driveway in a well-covered suburb of Auckland in New Zealand. But, depending on where I am in the house, I still experience dead zones and often the WiFi-enabled phone apps will more reliably cause the phone to ring. What can I do to fix it? If your phone frequently doesn't ring on 4G or 5G there are a few things you can do: make sure VolTE/VoNR is enabled in your network settings restart your phone and toggle airplane mode to refresh network registration check battery optimisation settings and exclude the phone app you are using contact your carrier to confirm VoLTE/VoNR support and provisioning. But ultimately, sometimes a call will just fail – and there's very little an everyday person can do about it. Which yes, is annoying. But it also means you have a failsafe, expert-approved excuse for missing a call from your boss. Jairo Gutierrez, Professor, Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Auckland University of Technology This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.
Hans India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Unlock iPhone for Any Carrier The Ultimate SIM Unlocking Tool You Should Know
Are you planning to move abroad, or do you want to switch carriers without buying a new iPhone? You may consider selling your device and want to increase its value. Whatever the reason, your iPhone's carrier lock shouldn't hold you back. In today's globalized world, carrier freedom is becoming increasingly important, whether for travel, better plans, or resale value. This article explores the reality behind iPhone carrier locks, busts common myths, and introduces the most reliable and user-friendly solution for unlocking your iPhone: powerful SIM unlock tool. Whether you want a permanent unlock or want to understand when software solutions are not the right fit, this guide covers everything you need. Part 1: The Truth About Carrier Locks (What They Don't Tell You) Most people believe carrier locks just restrict the use of several SIM cards in your iPhone. These limitations affect your device's general usefulness, worth, and flexibility well outside of SIM swapping. Hidden Restrictions Beyond SIM Blocking Here's what most carriers won't openly tell you: Limited VoLTE and WiFi Calling Features Carrier-locked iPhones often restrict advanced calling capabilities like Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and WiFi calling when used with other networks. This means you could experience lower call quality, increased dropouts, and the inability to make calls over WiFi, especially while traveling internationally or using alternative providers. Reduced Resale Value by 20–30 An unlocked iPhone always commands a higher market value. Usually selling 20–30% less, carrier-locked devices usually experience a substantial decline in resale value. Unlocked phones are a lot more appealing investment because buyers value the freedom to select their carriers without limits. Regional App and Service Restrictions Regional limits are sometimes imposed by carrier locks, so certain apps and digital services are inaccessible depending on the region or provider. These restrictions could keep you from using your favorite programs or limit particular features when traveling abroad. Myth-busting: Common Misconceptions Clarified Myth #1: "All iPhones Work Globally" Fact: Not every iPhone functions automatically on foreign networks. Carrier locks can greatly restrict your phone's ability to work with foreign networks, therefore causing inconvenience and perhaps substantial roaming fees while abroad. Myth #2: "Unlocking Your iPhone Voids Warranty" Fact: This is incorrect, assuming the unlocking is achieved by genuine means, official services, or a reliable third-party program that adheres to Apple's and carrier standards. Part 2: Why Stands Out Among Unlocking Tools Unlocking your iPhone can feel daunting, especially with many tools out there. What makes iPhone unlocker truly stand out? Extensive IMEI Database: supports more IMEI databases than competitors, meaning it can handle newer models, including iPhone 14 and 15, with ease. supports more IMEI databases than competitors, meaning it can handle newer models, including iPhone 14 and 15, with ease. High Success Rate: The tool has a proven record of success in unlocking iPhones where others fail. The tool has a proven record of success in unlocking iPhones where others fail. Encrypted and Secure Process: Your device data is protected throughout unlocking, ensuring safety and privacy. Your device data is protected throughout unlocking, ensuring safety and privacy. User-Friendly Interface: Designed for all skill levels, it guides you step-by-step to unlock your iPhone without hassle. How to Permanently Carrier-Unlock Your iPhone with This guide helps you resolve common iPhone SIM issues such as SIM not supported, invalid SIM, locked SIM, and no network service. Follow these steps to unlock your iPhone carrier effortlessly: Step 1: Launch the Screen Unlock Tool Open the program after downloading and installing Wondershare iPhone unlocker on your computer. Navigate to Toolbox > Screen Unlock > iOS to open the unlocking tool window. Step 2: Access the SIM Unlock Feature Select the Remove SIM Lock option in the new window to begin unlocking. Step 3: Initiate SIM Lock Removal You will be taken to the main interface of the Remove iPhone SIM Lock tool. Click Start to commence the unlocking. Step 4: Jailbreak Your Device if Required The unlocking process requires jailbreaking your iPhone. If prompted, follow the provided Jailbreak Guide or watch the video tutorial to complete this step. Step 5: Disconnect WiFi Networks Next, remove your SIM card from the iPhone. Then, go to Settings > WLAN to open WiFi settings. For every connected network, select Forget This Network. After clearing all saved WiFi networks, turn off WiFi. Now, reinsert your SIM card and click Continue on your computer to move forward. Step 6: Complete the Unlock Once the process finishes, a confirmation message will appear. Click Done to exit the tool and complete the SIM unlock. Part 3: When NOT to Use Software Unlocking (Alternative Solutions) While software unlocking tools like are highly effective for most iPhones, there are specific situations where these tools may not work or may not be appropriate: Hardware-based Locks: Some iPhones may have locks embedded at the hardware level, which are extremely rare but do exist, especially in devices with serious hardware issues or modifications. Blocked Devices: If an iPhone has been reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraudulent activity, carriers place it on a blacklist. This denylist prevents the device from being used on any network, regardless of unlocking status. Enterprise-Managed Phones (MDM Locks): Devices managed under Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles, commonly used by businesses and educational institutions, have restrictions controlled remotely by IT administrators. iOS Version Compatibility: Occasionally, newly released iOS versions or updates may temporarily cause incompatibility with some unlocking tools. Legal and Warranty Considerations: Unlocking restrictions and rules might differ from nation to nation. Always verify that your opening technique respects local rules and does not invalidate your warranty. Part 4: Maximizing Your Newly Unlocked iPhone Unlocking your iPhone opens many doors. Here's how to make the most of this newfound freedom: Verify Unlock Success: Insert a SIM card from a carrier that is different from your original one. Test voice calls, SMS, and mobile data to confirm that the unlock was successful. Also, network signal strength and LTE/5G connectivity must be checked to ensure full functionality. Insert a SIM card from a carrier that is different from your original one. Test voice calls, SMS, and mobile data to confirm that the unlock was successful. Also, network signal strength and LTE/5G connectivity must be checked to ensure full functionality. Reset Carrier Settings: Sometimes, carrier settings from your old network may linger and cause conflicts. Navigate Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to reset these. This will clear saved WiFi passwords and VPN configurations, so have them handy for re-entry. Sometimes, carrier settings from your old network may linger and cause conflicts. Navigate Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to reset these. This will clear saved WiFi passwords and VPN configurations, so have them handy for re-entry. Enable Dual SIM and eSIM Features: Modern iPhones support dual SIMs via a physical SIM and an eSIM or dual eSIMs. This feature allows you to manage personal and work numbers or keep local and international numbers active simultaneously, which is especially handy for frequent travelers. Modern iPhones support dual SIMs via a physical SIM and an eSIM or dual eSIMs. This feature allows you to manage personal and work numbers or keep local and international numbers active simultaneously, which is especially handy for frequent travelers. Optimize Battery and Performance: Switching carriers can sometimes affect battery life or performance. Monitor battery usage and update carrier settings when prompted. Keeping iOS up to date ensures better compatibility and performance. Switching carriers can sometimes affect battery life or performance. Monitor battery usage and update carrier settings when prompted. Keeping iOS up to date ensures better compatibility and performance. Travel Smart with Your Unlocked iPhone: Research local carriers in your destination country to find the best data, calls, and text plans. Consider prepaid SIMs to avoid roaming charges. Many countries have kiosks or shops selling tourist SIM cards with affordable packages. Research local carriers in your destination country to find the best data, calls, and text plans. Consider prepaid SIMs to avoid roaming charges. Many countries have kiosks or shops selling tourist SIM cards with affordable packages. Backup and Security: Before and after unlocking, back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes to protect your data. Also, update your security settings, enable Find My iPhone, and keep your device password protected. Before and after unlocking, back up your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes to protect your data. Also, update your security settings, enable Find My iPhone, and keep your device password protected. Explore New Features and Apps: An unlocked iPhone can access previously restricted apps, services, and carrier features. Explore your device's full potential, including international messaging apps, VoIP services, and streaming platforms without regional restrictions. An unlocked iPhone can access previously restricted apps, services, and carrier features. Explore your device's full potential, including international messaging apps, VoIP services, and streaming platforms without regional restrictions. Plan for Future Updates: Once unlocked, be cautious with future iOS updates. Occasionally, updates can re-lock or cause unlocking issues. Final Thoughts For iPhone users everywhere, whether for travel, cost reduction, or raising resale value, carrier freedom is a game-changer. iPhone unlocker provides a strong but easy method to permanently unlock your device without endangering your guarantee or information. distinguishes itself as the best option for SIM unlock due to its unrivalled IMEI support, secure procedures, and high success rates on even the newest iPhone devices. Do not let carrier limitations hold you back. With Dr. Fone Unlock's iPhone carrier today, experience real freedom and flexibility.
Al-Ahram Weekly
19-03-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Mobile phone users in Egypt saw improved services in Q4 of 2024: NTRA - Society
Mobile phone users in Egypt saw improved voice, internet, and data transmission services in the final quarter of 2024, according to an official assessment by the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA). The NTRA, part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), assessed 139,000 kilometres of cities and villages, using specialized equipment to test voice calls and data services. Voice service evaluations have been enhanced to include Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, improving call quality. According to the MCIT, Egypt's active mobile subscriptions reached 84.2 million in December 2024, up from 83.8 million a year earlier. The NTRA report's findings, based on key performance indicators (KPIs), indicate notable improvements in service quality across 114 areas. Operator performance overview Vodafone reported improvements in service quality, with areas of poor voice service decreasing from six to two, and areas with poor data transmission dropping from six to four between October and December 2024. The company's average download speed also rose from 50 Mbps to 52 Mbps during the same period. Orange, however, saw an increase in areas with poor voice service, which rose from four in October to eight in December. While its data transmission quality remained stable, with no areas reporting poor performance, the company's average download speed improved slightly from 46 Mbps to 48 Mbps. E& reported gains in both voice and data quality, with poor voice service areas decreasing from 11 to seven, and poor data transmission areas dropping from four to three. The company's average download speed rose from 55 Mbps to 57 Mbps. WE maintained stable data transmission quality, with just one area reporting poor performance in October and December 2024. Further, its average download speed declined from 88 Mbps to 83 Mbps. On the voice service front, poor-quality areas dropped from five to two over the same period. Fastest fixed internet in Africa In a significant milestone, Egypt was awarded the 2024 Speedtest Award for Africa's fastest fixed internet by Ookla, the global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights. As part of its digital infrastructure expansion, Egypt is replacing copper cables with fibre optic networks, aiming to deliver high-speed internet to 60 million citizens across 4,500 villages. This initiative is a key component of the Digital Egypt Strategy, which seeks to enhance connectivity and build a robust digital economy. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat highlighted Egypt's $3.5 billion investment in digital infrastructure, which has helped increase the country's average fixed broadband speed from 5.4 Mbps in December 2017 to 80.3 Mbps in January 2025. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
