Voice has historically served as the primary mode of human communication, a fact underscored by significant advancements in voice technologies over the past few decades. The first generation (1G) of mobile networks operated on analogue radio signals and was limited exclusively to voice services, although it suffered from inadequate coverage and substandard call quality. The advent of second-generation (2G) networks introduced digital transmission, facilitating the emergence of short message services and multimedia messaging services. The global system for mobile communications and code division multiple access emerged as the predominant 2G standards. Third-generation (3G) technologies, such as universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), and high speed packet access (HSPA) enabled higher data transmission speeds, supporting mobile internet access, electronic mail and video communication. The subsequent evolution to fourth-generation (4G LTE) networks delivered substantially higher data rates, reduced latency and greater spectral efficiency, thereby enabling bandwidth-intensive applications such as high definition (HD) video streaming, real-time online gaming and advanced mobile services. The commercial deployment of fifth-generation (5G) networks in 2022 marked the next milestone in mobile communications, offering ultra-high speed connectivity, expanded bandwidth, wider coverage, minimal latency and improved positioning accuracy. Since then, 5G investment in India has grown rapidly, with voice over new radio (VoNR), also called voice over 5G (Vo5G) being a recent addition to the party.
VoNR vs VoLTE: Decoding the technologies
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and VoNR are two defining technologies in the evolution of mobile voice communication. Both were designed to improve the quality, reliability and efficiency of voice services over modern mobile networks, yet they belong to different generations of connectivity.
VoLTE operates over 4G LTE networks and was the first step in moving away from traditional circuit-switched calling. It enables HD voice calls with faster call set-up times compared to 2G and 3G networks. One of its key strengths is the ability to handle voice and data simultaneously, which allows users to browse, stream, or use applications while on a call. VoLTE also ensures better spectral efficiency, making it more network-friendly than legacy technologies.
Building on this foundation, VoNR extends these benefits into the 5G era. Operating on standalone (SA) 5G networks, VoNR facilitates ultra-clear, low-latency voice communication, while eliminating the need to fall back on 4G for calls. This brings several advantages: shorter call set-up times, lesser number of interruptions or voice cuts and lower power consumption for devices, resulting in a smoother and more dependable user experience. In addition, VoNR delivers superior voice quality, minimal connection delays and the unique advantage of leveraging 5G’s high speed internet during conversations, without compromising performance.
Together, VoLTE and VoNR showcase the industry’s progression towards richer, faster and more efficient mobile voice services. While VoLTE transformed calling in the 4G era, VoNR is positioned to redefine it in the 5G landscape, paving the way for next-generation communication.
Operators and vendors driving VoNR
In India, telecom operators are at different stages of readiness, while global vendors are racing to provide VoNR solutions that will enable a smooth transition to this next-generation capability. By investing directly in SA, Reliance Jio has created the necessary foundation for VoNR adoption without relying on 4G fallback. The company has already initiated VoNR trials in select circles to validate performance metrics such as call set-up times, voice clarity and network stability. Given Jio’s all-IP architecture and its aggressive 5G roll-out, it is well placed to be the first operator to launch VoNR commercially at scale. This early-mover advantage could further reinforce Jio’s market leadership, especially as demand for integrated 5G voice and data services grows. Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel’s strategy has been centred on non-SA 5G, which leverages its existing 4G core to accelerate coverage expansion. This approach allowed Airtel to deliver 5G quickly, but it also means that VoNR adoption is not immediately feasible. However, Airtel is actively preparing for a gradual transition to SA infrastructure. Once it shifts to SA, Airtel can leverage VoNR to enhance customer experience, particularly for enterprise and ultra-low-latency use cases, where voice remains mission-critical. Further, the state-run operator, BSNL remains in the process of rolling out long-delayed 4G networks. By directly embedding VoNR capabilities into its 4G/5G mix, BSNL could bypass the limitations of legacy voice frameworks. Such a strategy would allow BSNL to offer a future-ready service stack aligned with global standards, even as they work towards catching up on network modernisation. However, realising this potential will require timely investments, vendor partnerships and effective spectrum utilisation.
On the vendor side, major global equipment providers – Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei and ZTE – are playing a pivotal role in shaping VoNR readiness. Each of these companies has invested heavily in developing end-to-end solutions that integrate seamlessly with operator networks. Ericsson is focusing on advanced IP multimedia subsystems (IMS) integration and end-to-end quality of service (QoS) mechanisms, ensuring reliable voice transmission across 5G SA networks. Parallelly, Nokia has emphasised software-driven flexibility, offering cloud-native VoNR platforms that allow operators to scale voice services in line with data growth. Huawei continues to promote its 5G voice innovation, showcasing low-latency VoNR use cases that combine voice with AR/VR and enterprise collaboration tools. Finally, ZTE is leveraging its expertise in cost-efficient deployments to deliver VoNR-ready solutions that appeal to operators in emerging markets such as India. These vendor offerings not only provide technological building blocks for VoNR but also enable operators to differentiate services, reduce operational costs and prepare for future 5G applications.
Use cases
VoNR extends beyond high quality calling to enable a new wave of applications powered by 5G’s low latency and high bandwidth.
One of the most compelling use cases is immersive communication, where VoNR integrates with AR and VR platforms to deliver life-like conversations in virtual environments. This capability enhances remote collaboration, training and social interactions by blending real-time voice with immersive visuals.
VoNR also supports real-time language translation, enabling seamless conversations across different languages without perceptible delay. This can transform global business communication, travel and education.
For enterprises, VoNR ensures highly reliable voice services in mission-critical applications such as remote operations, customer engagement and field collaboration, where delays or call drops can significantly impact productivity.
In mobile gaming, VoNR provides synchronised voice chat, allowing gamers to communicate instantly without lag, creating a more engaging multiplayer experience.
The technology also opens new frontiers in telemedicine, supporting crystal-clear doctor-patient consultations alongside real-time diagnostic data sharing, which is vital in remote healthcare delivery.
In public safety, VoNR ensures robust, low-latency voice communication for emergency responders, enhancing coordination during crises, where reliability and speed are critical.
Together, these use cases highlight VoNR’s role as a cornerstone of next-generation connectivity.
Overcoming challenges
Implementing VoNR in 5G networks presents several challenges that operators must address to ensure optimal performance.
A significant challenge is ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructure. VoNR systems require a robust IP network to function properly and organisations may need to upgrade their network infrastructure to support the increased bandwidth and QoS requirements of VoNR. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, but it is essential for ensuring a successful VoNR implementation.
QoS is another challenge in VoNR implementation. Voice communication over IP networks is sensitive to latency, jitter and packet loss, which can degrade call quality and user experience. Organisations need to implement QoS mechanisms to prioritise voice traffic and ensure that it is delivered with minimal delay and packet loss.
Additionally, achieving interoperability with diverse devices and network elements presents significant challenges. VoNR systems must be compatible with a wide range of devices and network components to ensure seamless communication. This requires comprehensive testing and validation to identify and resolve any compatibility issues.
Moreover, the uneven distribution of 5G infrastructure poses a hurdle. Some areas may have robust 5G networks, while others lag behind, limiting the widespread adoption of VoNR. This disparity can affect the consistency and reliability of VoNR services across different regions.
Effectively overcoming challenges of VoNR implementation demands a multifaceted approach. Operators must engage in careful network planning, mapping out where upgrades are needed and ensuring that the 5G SA core and IP infrastructure can handle the increased demand for high quality voice services. Significant investment in infrastructure is essential, not only to expand network coverage but also to implement advanced QoS mechanisms, optimise latency and support seamless interoperability with a wide range of devices and legacy systems. In addition, continuous testing and monitoring are critical to identify and resolve potential issues such as packet loss, jitter, or device incompatibility before they impact user experience. Collaboration with vendors for software updates, device certification and network optimisation further strengthens reliability. By addressing these technical, operational and investment considerations holistically, operators can ensure that VoNR delivers its full potential – providing low-latency, high-definition voice services that are consistent, scalable and capable of supporting advanced applications in the 5G era.
Nikhaar Gogna
