Mobile carriers continue to expand 5G coverage, but for real-time voice applications such as Aircall, 4G LTE currently offers more consistent call quality. While 5G promises lower latency and faster data speeds, most networks today still rely on 4G for critical voice functions. This can introduce call instability when using VoIP on a mobile device.
This article explains why 4G LTE remains the most dependable option for Aircall calls on mobile and how to improve performance if you experience audio issues.
How 5G affects mobile VoIP calls
Most carriers use 5G Non Standalone (NSA) networks. These networks use 5G radios for data but still depend on the 4G LTE core for handling voice. This design can impact VoIP performance during Aircall calls.
Common effects of 5G NSA on call stability
- Network switching during calls: Your device may temporarily fall back to 4G to complete the voice connection, which can introduce latency or jitter.
- Higher device load: Phones maintain two active network connections at the same time, which may affect the stability of real-time audio.
- Limited availability of native 5G voice: True 5G Standalone voice technology (VoNR) is still rare. Most regions rely on VoLTE through the 4G core.
Note: These network transitions are usually invisible during everyday use but can affect real-time communication such as VoIP, especially when the device is moving, such as in a car.
Why 4G LTE is the best choice for Aircall today
Using 4G LTE only helps create a stable environment for VoIP by removing the complexity of switching between 5G and 4G.
Benefits of using 4G LTE for mobile Aircall calls
- More predictable performance: Your device operates on one proven network with no fallbacks or switching during calls.
- Optimized voice technology: VoLTE is a mature, carrier-optimized system designed for high-quality voice traffic.
- Stronger and more consistent coverage: 4G LTE is often more available and stable than 5G, especially outside urban centers.
Tip: If you often make calls while on the move, such as in a car, 4G LTE may provide significantly more stable audio quality than 5G.
When to switch to 4G LTE
You may want to try using 4G LTE if you experience:
- choppy or distorted audio
- audio delays
- inconsistent call performance
- drops when moving between locations
Troubleshooting steps to improve mobile VoIP performance
If you notice call quality issues while using Aircall on a mobile device, try the steps below.
Steps:
- Force your device to use 4G LTE only: This removes the possibility of 5G to 4G fallbacks during calls.
- Check your mobile signal strength: Low connectivity can cause packet loss and jitter.
- Disable any active VPN: VPN routing may interfere with real-time communication.
- Test the call in a different location: 5G coverage varies and may be less consistent indoors or in transit.
- Restart your device: This resets modem behavior and network registration.
Important: If you continue to experience issues on mobile data, switch temporarily to a stable WiFi network. Strong WiFi can provide more consistent VoIP performance than mobile networks in some environments.
The bottom line
4G LTE remains the most stable and reliable option for Aircall calls on mobile devices today. While 5G networks continue to evolve, their current implementations often introduce network transitions that impact real-time communication. As 5G Standalone and native 5G voice become more widely available, this recommendation may change. For now, 4G LTE offers the best balance of clarity, coverage, and consistency.