Verizon Begins Slow Path to Routing Calls over LTE (And Why That Even Matters)

Verizon is announcing that it is nearly ready to offer nationwide calling over its LTE network, but the reality is this is just the start of a long process.

Eventually, the addition of voice-over-LTE will allow for higher-quality calls, quicker connection and easy video chats. But because those features require both parties to be on Verizon, have a compatible phone and opt-in to LTE calling, very few such calls will be made initially.

At some unspecified point, VoLTE calling will become the default. Even further down the road -- probably not until at least 2016 -- Verizon will start selling phones that only support LTE. And while the initial service is limited to calling fellow Verizon members, lab work is under way to eventually let people call among different LTE networks.