This is definitely the kind of tech innovation that gets us excited! PLDT’s wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), just rolled out Video Calls powered by ViLTE (Video Over LTE) for Smart and TNT subscribers, and it’s a huge step forward for the local mobile experience. Forget third-party apps, you can now make high-quality video calls as easily as dialling a regular voice call—pure native convenience!
Here’s the deep dive on what you need to know about this new, game-changing feature that’s set to make your video conversations simpler, smoother, and more personal.
ViLTE: Making Video Calls the New Normal
Think of ViLTE as the visual upgrade to Smart’s earlier, pioneering launch of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) in 2020. This new tech allows you to jump straight into a high-quality video call directly from your phone’s native dialer. The whole point is to bring loved ones closer without the hassle of opening a separate app, checking if your contact has the same app, or dealing with the usual connection lags. It’s all running on Smart’s robust 4G and 5G networks, promising stable connections, ultra-low latency, and improved battery efficiency. Plus, you can finally multitask seamlessly—browse, stream, or use other apps—all while on a clear video call.
The Sweetest Part: Easy on the Pocket
One of the biggest wins here is the charging mechanism. ViLTE video calls are simply charged to the caller’s voice subscription. This is where your unlimited call promos truly shine! If you’re on an active Unli Calls offer—like Unli 5G+ or PowerAll for Smart, or SurfSaya for TNT—you can practically enjoy unlimited video calls with total ease. And just like regular voice calls, the receiver doesn’t need to have an active promo, as long as the caller does.
As Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP at Smart, puts it, this aligns with Smart’s DNA of “democratizing the most advanced mobile experiences” and empowering customers with a “clearer and more immersive way to connect.” It’s about making advanced technology accessible to more Filipinos.
How to Get on the ViLTE Wave
Ready to make your first app-free video call? Here’s the quick and direct guide for Smart and TNT Android users:
- Go to Settings and choose Mobile or Cellular Network.
- Enable VoLTE / HD Voice. (This is a must!)
- Toggle ViLTE / Video over LTE / Video Calling to ON.
For a successful ViLTE call, remember that both the caller and the receiver must have VoLTE and ViLTE enabled on their smartphones and be within Smart’s LTE or 5G coverage. Good news: Smart’s ViLTE also works when you’re connected to WiFi!
Smart recommends using VoLTE- and ViLTE-capable smartphones from popular manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, OPPO, ZTE, Infinix, Itel, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi and ensuring your Android device is updated to the latest software version for the best experience.
