Tired of Poor Calls and Slow Internet? Here are Three Phone Settings to Check

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Pakistan’s telecom regulator, has advised mobile users to check network settings for clearer calls and better internet access. The October 15 guidance covers phone compatibility, mobile voice calls and calling through a wireless internet connection.

Unclear speech and delays in connecting calls prompted PTA’s guidance. The regulator began with mobile network settings before explaining services for clearer calls and better reception inside homes and basements.

Access depends on support from the phone, mobile operator and SIM, the card or digital profile identifying a mobile subscription. PTA advised subscribers to confirm compatibility before using the relevant features.

Network Settings First

PTA advises users to enable 4G first, the fourth generation of mobile network technology, if the option is off. Phones often display LTE, short for Long-Term Evolution, as the corresponding network option.

A typical settings route runs through Mobile Networks, the relevant SIM and Preferred Network Type. Menu names differ between phones. Selecting a mode supporting 4G/LTE gives a compatible phone and SIM access to the available service.

Voice Calls Stay on 4G

Then comes voice over LTE (VoLTE), a service carrying voice calls over a 4G network. The feature supports clearer audio and quicker call connections.

VoLTE also keeps mobile data available during calls. Subscribers retain access to browsing and other internet services on the same phone as they speak.

Home Internet Offers Another Calling Route

PTA then addressed weak mobile reception inside homes and basements. Wi-Fi Calling, also called voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi), carries mobile calls through a wireless internet connection.

Users turn on the Wi-Fi Calling option in their phone settings and connect to a stable wireless network. The service uses the existing mobile number and requires no separate calling app. Wi-Fi Calling and VoWiFi describe the same service.

Operators Provide Activation Help

The last step involved directing subscribers to their mobile operators for information about availability, activation and use.

Operator activation is a part of the process for VoLTE. The network must activate the service for the connection before the handset’s VoLTE setting takes effect, giving subscribers a reason to seek support if the feature fails to work.