Voice over LTE (VoLTE) was expected to be rolled out sooner. Verizon initially stated that a Verizon VoLTE only phone will be introduced in 2014, but plans have changed. Now Verizon delayed the introduction of such a smartphone to 2016. The VoLTE service necessary to support the functionality of such a device will be introduced in the last quarter of 2014.

Fran Shammo,Verizon’s CFO, announced the new timetable on Wednesday morning during the Oppenheimer Internet and Communication Conference.

A VoLTE only phone would mean a clear break from today’s telecommunication standards, a step into the future. For now, all the phones operating under Verizon coverage have to be equipped with a 3G-CDMA chip. Shammo argued that everything must work properly before introducing the VoLTE only phone. Having to introduce the service to such a wide coverage is no easy task and Verizon is focused on managing a fully reliably network.

A future where a VoLTE only phone is accepted by more wireless carriers means that we will be able to easily move from one carrier to another. Thus, there will be no more concerns about device frequency compatibility. Moreover, the phone’s prices may drop if a CDMA chip will not be needed any longer.

The announcement is satisfying, but let’s not forget that Verizon still throttles 4G unlimited data plans.

Verizon VoLTE only phone calls will bring HD voice

That will be just one of the advantages. Another benefit will be the access to HD voice, which will change how we talk with each other on the phone. “Can you repeat that?” will be a thing of the past, unless you enjoy overly dramatic conversations.

Verizon worked on building a reputation as a reliable voice transfer operator with its CDMA network. “For us, when we launch a new technology, we have to make sure our quality is strong because the CDMA network was so strong,” Shammo said. “We don’t go before we know it’s ready.”

So far Verizon splits the data transfer into two tiers. The voice transfer is usually achieved by using the reliably, yet slower 3G CDMA frequency. For more demanding data transfers, like video streaming and emails, the carrier uses the 4G network, CNET explains.

So far, wireless carriers prefer developing the LTE networks individually. At one point, when the networks mature, Shammo thinks, they will have to get together and talk about compatibility. However, the sooner, the better for consumers. Until then, a Verizon VoLTE only phone will serve as the beginning.