Melita Expands VoLTE Roaming to 8 Countries
Malta’s leading telecom operator, Melita Limited, has just taken a significant step in future-proofing its mobile network. The company has rolled out Voice over LTE (VoLTE) roaming for customers travelling in Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, Luxembourg, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland, with more destinations to follow soon.
This upgrade means Melita subscribers can now make crystal-clear voice calls over 4G and 5G networks, instead of relying on older 2G or 3G infrastructure. It’s a big deal not only for quality but also for what it signals about the future of global roaming.
What exactly is VoLTE—and why it matters
For years, even the most advanced smartphones still dropped down to 3G or even 2G when you made a call abroad. That’s because most international roaming agreements didn’t yet support VoLTE, the technology that enables voice calls to travel over modern LTE (4G) and 5G data networks.
The result? Slower call setup times, robotic audio, and occasional call drops when switching between data and voice networks.
VoLTE fixes that. It brings HD voice quality, faster call connections, and the ability to browse the internet while on a call—something traditional voice networks couldn’t handle smoothly.
And for travelers, the benefits are even greater: you stay on the same high-speed data network while making calls, without your phone reverting to outdated tech.
Melita’s push toward modern roaming
Melita’s new rollout builds on its existing VoLTE coverage across Malta and Gozo, which has already been giving local users a taste of next-gen voice quality. The extension to roaming destinations is a natural next step—and one that aligns with how the entire telecom industry is evolving.
As James Spina, Melita’s Chief Technology Officer, put it:
“The introduction of VoLTE roaming is another step forward in our efforts to provide modern, high-quality mobile services and prepare for the future as legacy network technologies are phased out.”
He’s referring to the global 3G shutdowns already happening in countries like the UK, the US, and much of Europe. Operators are freeing up spectrum used by aging 2G and 3G networks to bolster 4G and 5G—and that means roaming users who still rely on older calling methods could soon find themselves without voice service unless their carrier supports VoLTE roaming.
How to make sure you’re VoLTE-ready
Using VoLTE isn’t complicated. Most newer smartphones — from iPhones to Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus models—already support it.
To take advantage of Melita’s VoLTE both locally and abroad, users simply need to enable the VoLTE feature in their phone’s settings and ensure their device is updated to the latest software version. Melita provides step-by-step guidance on its website for each major phone brand.
Device Support for VoLTE
| Step / Info | iPhone | Android | Google Pixel 7 / 7a / 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| VoLTE Support | All models from iPhone 6 / 6 Plus onward, including iPhone SE. | Most newer Android phones support VoLTE, though it can be disabled by default. | All Pixel 7 series phones support VoLTE, but it may need to be enabled manually. |
| 1️⃣ Open Settings | Open Settings. | Open Settings. | Open the Settings app. |
| 2️⃣ Go to Connections | Tap Mobile Data. | Tap Connections. | Tap Network & Internet. |
| 3️⃣ Mobile Options | Tap Mobile Data Options. | Tap Mobile Networks. | Choose SIM. |
| 4️⃣ Enable VoLTE | Tap Voice & Data, then select LTE. | Tap VoLTE calls and enable VoLTE. | Toggle Use VoLTE ON. |
| 5️⃣ Confirm Network Mode | ✅ You’re ready for HD calls over 4G/LTE/5G! | ✅ If LTE or 5G appears under Voice Network Type, VoLTE is active. | ✅ Confirm 4G (LTE) or 5G is set as preferred network mode. |
Why this matters in the bigger picture
Melita’s move might look like a technical upgrade, but it’s actually a strategic milestone. As legacy mobile technologies fade, carriers across Europe are under pressure to make sure customers can still call and roam without disruption.
Major European players like Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, and Orange have already extended their own VoLTE roaming footprints—but not all smaller or regional providers have caught up. Melita’s expansion puts it ahead of many mid-sized European operators in offering next-gen voice roaming across multiple countries.
According to the GSMA, over 340 operators globally now support VoLTE, but far fewer have implemented VoLTE roaming, which requires complex bilateral agreements and compatibility testing between networks. That’s why Melita’s expansion beyond EU borders, including Australia, is notable — it reflects deep interoperability work and forward-looking network partnerships.
The road ahead: all-IP roaming
This rollout is not just about clearer calls — it’s about transitioning to an all-IP world, where everything (voice, messaging, data) travels over modern internet-based infrastructure. In the coming years, 3G networks will disappear entirely, and 2G will linger only as a fallback for IoT and emergency services.
By moving early, Melita ensures its subscribers won’t be left behind — whether they’re making calls in Gozo or Melbourne. The next logical step? Wi-Fi calling integration across more regions, and broader 5G Standalone (SA) roaming, which will eventually make even 4G-based VoLTE look like legacy tech.
Conclusion: Melita’s smart, timely move in a fast-changing telecom world
Melita’s expansion of VoLTE roaming may sound like a technical update, but it’s more than that — it’s a signal of readiness for a 4G/5G-only future. As more networks around the world retire 3G, travelers are discovering that not all roaming experiences are created equal.
By offering seamless VoLTE across multiple key markets, Melita is ensuring consistent call quality, reliability, and future compatibility—something even larger carriers sometimes struggle to guarantee across borders.
In an industry where speed of adaptation defines competitiveness, Melita’s latest upgrade shows it’s not just keeping pace—it’s quietly punching above its weight.
