Why VoLTE Is Crucial for Healthcare IoT Applications

In today’s fast-paced world of connected healthcare, real-time communication isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Clear, reliable voice communication is vital for effectively delivering and coordinating patient care. This is where VoLTE (Voice over LTE) becomes crucial.

While most IoT devices don’t rely on voice services, those that do (e.g. emergency alarms, remote monitoring, medical alert systems) must support VoLTE after the sunset of 2G/3G networks. VoLTE provides high-quality, low-latency voice communication over 4G LTE, offering a major improvement over older 2G/3G systems. In the healthcare IoT industry, where every second and every word can make a difference, VoLTE is not just useful, it’s critical for ensuring fast, reliable communication.

What is Voice over LTE (VoLTE)?

VoLTE is a voice service that operates on LTE (4G) networks using IP-based technology, replacing the older circuit-switched approach used in legacy networks like 2G and 3G. It allows voice calls and data to run simultaneously and efficiently on the same LTE network infrastructure.

Key features include:

• High-definition (HD) voice clarity

• Faster call setup times

• Reliable performance in congested networks

• Lower power consumption in devices

Why IoT devices in healthcare may need VoLTE

1. Emergency communication that can't wait

For IoT in healthcare, delays in communication can have serious consequences. Whether it's an elderly patient pressing an emergency button or a nurse contacting a doctor via a connected device, VoLTE ensures critical calls go through quickly and clearly, even during peak network usage.

Example: In-home IoT applications and care systems equipped with VoLTE can instantly connect patients to emergency response centers with clear voice quality, ensuring that responders understand the situation without miscommunication.

2. Crystal-clear voice for patient safety

VoLTE delivers HD voice, which dramatically improves clarity compared to older networks. This is vital in environments where misunderstandings can lead to incorrect treatment or delayed care.

Use case: Remote healthcare consultations using voice-only endpoints can leverage VoLTE to ensure doctors hear symptoms clearly, even when video isn't used.

3. Better battery life for mobile medical devices

Healthcare IoT devices, such as personal monitors or emergency response wearables, often operate in the field for extended periods. VoLTE is optimized for LTE networks, using less power than switching between legacy networks. This means longer operational life between charges, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

4. Priority voice during network congestion

Unlike generic data traffic, VoLTE allows voice to be prioritized on LTE networks. In critical situations, such as during a local emergency or power outage, VoLTE-enabled healthcare devices can still transmit vital voice communication without delay.

Example: In a hospital's smart infrastructure, emergency voice alerts from connected systems can bypass normal data congestion to notify staff immediately.

5. Seamless integration with modern infrastructure

VoLTE is natively compatible with IP-based systems, making it easier to integrate with digital health platforms, cloud services, and telehealth software. This enables more scalable, flexible deployments that can evolve alongside healthcare technology.

How VoLTE enhances Healthcare Communication and Closes Critical Vulnerabilities

VoLTE in telecare

Imagine a telecare provider rolling out VoLTE-enabled emergency devices to support elderly patients living independently. By upgrading from older circuit-switched voice systems to VoLTE, the organization could expect the following outcomes:

• Fewer failed or delayed emergency calls due to faster call setup and improved network reliability

• Clearer voice communication between patients and responders, reducing misunderstandings

• Longer battery life in mobile devices through more efficient use of LTE

• Improved user satisfaction and fewer support issues thanks to better call quality and uptime.

VoLTE is a healthcare essential

In healthcare IoT, voice remains a vital communication channel, especially in urgent, real-world scenarios where data alone isn't enough. VoLTE provides the reliability, clarity, and efficiency that medical environments demand, making it an essential component of any future-ready connected care strategy.

As healthcare systems continue to digitize and decentralize, VoLTE will play a foundational role in supporting safe, seamless voice communication across every level of care.

How to Get VoLTE for your Healthcare applications

VoLTE is available from Pelion as part of our comprehensive suite of IoT connectivity solutions, enabling reliable, high-quality voice communication for healthcare environments. Whether it's for telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, or emergency response systems, VoLTE ensures secure and seamless voice integration into your healthcare IoT deployments.

Want to explore how VoLTE can enhance your healthcare solutions? Contact our team to discuss your specific needs and use cases or view our Pelion plans that include VoLTE.