With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)? 1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G. 2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• LTE is the 4G wireless standard, marketed as 4G/4G LTE, not 3G — so statement 1 is wrong.
• LTE was designed as an all-IP packet network primarily for data; VoLTE is a technology that carries voice calls as data packets over the same LTE network with better quality and simultaneous data use.
• Statement 2 is wrong: VoLTE is not a 'voice-only' technology — it runs voice on top of the data network and allows voice and data together; LTE networks can also fall back to 2G/3G for voice.
• Hence neither 1 nor 2, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: LTE is 4G, not 3G.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: VoLTE carries voice over data, not voice only.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both statements are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.