Why is audio/video call quality often degraded on cellular networks?

There are several reasons why audio and video call quality can be degraded on cellular networks.

First, cellular networks can cause data loss and packet delays for various reasons. This also affects the user's use of the internet. However, audio and video calls have higher real-time requirements due to the need for fast conversations and immediate responses. Therefore, when data loss and packet delays occur, the audio and video signals are not delivered correctly, resulting in poor call quality.

Second, audio and video calls typically require high bandwidth. If users are downloading data or running unnecessary background tasks at the same time, the audio and video signals won't get enough bandwidth, resulting in poor quality.

Third, carriers sometimes limit data usage. This depends on your data plan, and if your data usage is capped, your internet may be blocked or slowed down. If this happens, audio and video calls may not be smooth.

Fourth, certain countries or carriers may intentionally block VoIP traffic or limit the amount of data available for VoIP traffic depending on the data plan. In these cases, VoIP calls may not be connected, or if they are connected, the call may be dropped due to network errors.

For these reasons, we recommend that users use Wi-Fi (except carrier-provided Wi-Fi) or data networks rather than cellular networks when making calls. Also, comparing data plans offered by carriers and choosing a data plan with no VoIP traffic limits will help maintain call quality.