If you‘re a Verizon Wireless customer, there‘s a good chance you‘ve encountered the dreaded "Verizon has turned off LTE calls" error message. This issue can be both perplexing and frustrating, leaving you unable to make or receive calls and access the internet using Verizon‘s high-speed 4G LTE network.
But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into the world of LTE calling, exploring what it is, why it‘s important, and most importantly, how to fix the problem when Verizon‘s LTE network lets you down.
As a savvy consumer in today‘s digital age, having a reliable cellular connection is more important than ever. Our smartphones have become an essential tool for staying connected to work, family, and friends. So when your Verizon LTE calls suddenly stop working, it can feel like your lifeline has been cut off.
In this article, we‘ll arm you with everything you need to know to get your LTE calls back up and running as quickly as possible. We‘ll explore the issue from a technical, economic, and consumer perspective, providing expert insights and analysis along the way.
Understanding LTE Calling: A Technical Perspective
Before we dive into troubleshooting, let‘s take a closer look at LTE calling from a technical standpoint. LTE, or Long-Term Evolution, is a 4G wireless broadband standard that has become the dominant cellular network technology worldwide.
One of the key features of LTE is its ability to transmit voice calls over the internet using a technology called Voice over LTE (VoLTE). Traditional cellular networks transmit voice calls using a circuit-switched system, which requires a dedicated connection for the duration of the call.
In contrast, VoLTE uses a packet-switched system that breaks the voice data into packets and transmits them over the internet alongside other data traffic. This allows for more efficient use of network resources and enables new features like HD Voice, which provides dramatically improved call quality.
According to a report by Global Market Insights, the VoLTE market is expected to surpass $120 billion by 2026, driven by the widespread adoption of 4G LTE networks and the increasing demand for high-quality voice services.
Verizon was one of the first major carriers to deploy VoLTE, launching its Advanced Calling 1.0 service nationwide in 2014. Since then, Verizon has continued to expand and enhance its LTE network, which now covers over 98% of the U.S. population.
However, despite Verizon‘s extensive LTE coverage, the "Verizon turned off LTE calls" error message remains a common issue. Let‘s take a look at some of the reasons why this problem occurs.
Top Reasons for "Verizon Turned Off LTE Calls" Error
There are several potential causes for the "Verizon turned off LTE calls" error message:
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No 4G LTE coverage: The most common reason for this error is simply being outside of Verizon‘s 4G LTE coverage area. While Verizon‘s LTE network is extensive, there are still some areas, particularly in rural regions, where only 3G service is available.
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LTE turned off in settings: Another possibility is that LTE has been accidentally disabled in your phone‘s cellular settings. If LTE is turned off, your phone will not be able to connect to Verizon‘s 4G network for calls or data.
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Outdated software: Using an outdated version of iOS or Android that is not compatible with Verizon‘s LTE network can also trigger this error message. It‘s important to keep your phone‘s operating system up to date to ensure optimal network performance.
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Billing issues: In some cases, an unpaid or past due bill can result in Verizon temporarily suspending your account‘s access to LTE calls and data. The issue should resolve once the outstanding balance is paid.
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Network outages: While relatively rare, Verizon network outages can also cause LTE calling to stop working. Outages can occur due to technical problems, severe weather events, or physical damage to Verizon‘s infrastructure.
Now that we‘ve identified some of the common causes of the "Verizon turned off LTE calls" error, let‘s look at what you can do to fix the problem.
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix LTE Calling on Verizon
Below are eight simple troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve LTE calling issues on your Verizon device:
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Check LTE coverage: Use Verizon‘s official coverage map to confirm that you are located within the 4G LTE coverage area. If you are not, move to a location with better Verizon coverage and LTE should start working again.
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Restart your device: A simple reboot can sometimes resolve network connection issues. Power your phone down completely, wait 10-20 seconds, then turn it back on and check if LTE calls are working.
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Toggle Airplane Mode: Turning Airplane Mode on and then off again can reset your device‘s connection to the cellular network. Swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on, wait 10 seconds, then tap it again to turn it off.
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Update your operating system: Ensure that your device is running the latest version of iOS or Android. Newer software updates often include bug fixes and improvements for cellular network compatibility. On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On an Android device, go to Settings > System > System Update.
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Reset network settings: Resetting your network settings will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections, but it can also resolve issues with cellular network connectivity. The process varies slightly between iOS and Android devices:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. You will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and re-pair Bluetooth devices afterwards.
- Android: The exact steps may vary depending on your device, but look for "Reset options" or "Reset network settings" under Settings > System > Advanced or Settings > General Management > Reset.
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Remove and reinsert your SIM card: Removing your SIM card and reinserting it can sometimes resolve issues caused by a poor connection between the SIM and your phone‘s internal SIM reader. Power your phone off, then use a SIM removal tool or paperclip to open the SIM tray and remove the SIM card. Wait a few seconds, check for any dirt or damage on the card, then reinsert the SIM and power your phone back on.
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Check your billing status: Log in to your Verizon account online or through the mobile app to check your current balance. If your account has been suspended due to non-payment, you will need to pay the outstanding balance before Verizon will restore your LTE service.
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Contact Verizon support: If none of the above steps have resolved the issue, there may be a problem with your account or device that requires assistance from Verizon. Contact Verizon customer support by phone, chat, or in-store for further troubleshooting.
Verizon LTE Network Reliability: How Does It Compare?
When it comes to network reliability, Verizon is consistently ranked among the top performers in the United States. According to a 2021 report by RootMetrics, Verizon‘s network ranked first in overall performance, reliability, speed, data performance, and call performance.
Here‘s a breakdown of how Verizon‘s LTE network compares to other major carriers in terms of coverage and speed:
| Carrier | 4G LTE Coverage (% of U.S. Population) | Average 4G LTE Download Speed (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | 98% | 41.0 |
| AT&T | 97% | 38.6 |
| T-Mobile | 95% | 33.9 |
| Sprint | 94% | 32.1 |
Data sourced from OpenSignal‘s Mobile Network Experience Report for the USA, January 2021
As you can see, Verizon leads the pack in both 4G LTE coverage and average download speeds. This means that Verizon customers are more likely to have access to a reliable LTE connection in more places across the country.
The Future of LTE: Will 5G Replace It?
With the recent rollout of 5G networks, you may be wondering what the future holds for LTE and whether 5G will eventually replace it entirely. The short answer is: not anytime soon.
While 5G does offer faster speeds and lower latency than LTE, the technology is still in its early stages. 5G coverage is primarily limited to select urban areas, and most 5G networks are operating in non-standalone mode, meaning they are still dependent on existing LTE infrastructure.
In contrast, 4G LTE networks are widely deployed and offer extensive nationwide coverage. It will take years for 5G to reach the same level of ubiquity as LTE.
Moreover, many devices in use today are not compatible with 5G networks. While 5G-capable smartphones are becoming more common, they still represent a relatively small percentage of the overall market. According to a report by Statista, 5G devices are expected to account for only 20% of global smartphone sales by 2023.
For these reasons, LTE will continue to play a crucial role in cellular connectivity for the foreseeable future. In fact, Verizon and other carriers are still actively investing in and improving their LTE networks, even as they build out their 5G infrastructure.
The Bottom Line
Encountering the "Verizon turned off LTE calls" error message can be a frustrating experience, but in most cases, the problem is relatively easy to resolve. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to get your LTE calls and data working again without too much hassle.
It‘s also worth keeping in mind that while LTE is the current standard for cellular connectivity, it will eventually be supplemented and partially replaced by 5G networks in the coming years. However, this transition will be gradual, and LTE will continue to play a vital role in keeping us connected for the foreseeable future.
As a consumer, the key is to stay informed about the status of your cellular service and to know what steps to take when issues arise. By understanding the basics of how LTE works and what can cause it to stop working, you can quickly diagnose and resolve problems, ensuring that you stay connected to the people and information that matter most.
