Telefónica has taken a significant step in the transition to “real” 5G in Spain: the company claims to have completed the deployment of Voice over 5G (VoNR, Voice over New Radio) nationwide, enabling voice calls to be fully carried over its 5G Stand Alone (5G SA) network. According to the operator, its 5G coverage now exceeds 94% of the territory, and the 5G SA reaches more than 5,700 municipalities, leveraging the 700 MHz and 3,500 MHz bands.
Beyond the headline, this move has two interpretations: on one hand, it’s a technical milestone confirming that 5G SA is moving from being “a demo” to an operational network; on the other, it opens the door to enterprise and infrastructure services that rely on end-to-end 5G network operation, not just a “layer” on top of 4G.
What is VoNR and why does it matter?
VoNR essentially means making native voice calls over 5G NR within a 5G SA architecture. In other words: voice no longer depends on 4G (VoLTE) as a control layer or “fallback” and now lives within the 5G core itself.
Practically, this should translate into three clear advantages:
- Improved call quality and stability: the operator claims clearer, more consistent voice, especially in congested network scenarios.
- High data and voice usage simultaneously, without tolls: VoNR is designed to coexist with intensive uses (HD video, cloud gaming, professional tools) without causing data sessions to drop or requiring technology switches in the background.
- A solid foundation for advanced 5G capabilities: VoNR is another piece within 5G SA, enabling technologies like network slicing or edge computing, which are vital for industry, logistics, and public services.
VoNR vs VoLTE: the nuance that changes the conversation
For years, most users have “had 5G,” while voice continued to operate as always: on 4G via VoLTE, and in some cases, falling back to 3G/2G depending on coverage and device. With VoNR, the idea is that voice will no longer be an exception within 5G and will become a native service.
A quick comparison helps clarify:
| Technology | Where voice travels | Network requirement | What it brings |
|---|---|---|---|
| VoNR | 5G NR over 5G SA | 5G core + compatible/certified device | Native 5G voice and a foundation for advanced services (slicing/edge) |
| VoLTE | 4G LTE | 4G core (IMS) | HD calls and greater stability than 3G/2G |
| VoWiFi | Wi-Fi (with operator’s IMS) | Wi-Fi + operator configuration | Indoor coverage where mobile network signals are weaker |
The sensitive point here is the dependence on 5G SA coverage and device certification. Telefónica indicates that VoNR is available to Movistar customers with compatible 5G phones, with no need to change numbers or subscribe to a specific plan, but also emphasizes that coverage will expand as more devices are certified.
What does “device certification” mean and why does it take time?
In mobile networks, just because a phone “has 5G” doesn’t automatically mean it supports VoNR with a particular operator. For VoNR to work well, the device must be aligned with:
- operator profiles and configuration,
- interoperability with the core network and signaling,
- handover management and contingencies (e.g., what the device does when leaving a 5G SA zone),
- power consumption optimization and stability.
For this reason, the actual rollout always happens in phases: first the network and core, then device activation based on model certification.
Most visible use case: mass events… and a message for businesses
Telefónica explicitly mentions the use of voice over 5G in environments with large gatherings of people, where voice calls remain a very relevant usage pattern (even though public narratives often focus on video). If voice remains stable when thousands of devices share cells, that’s the kind of test that usually distinguishes a “commercial” deployment from a purely nominal one.
But the deeper implication for businesses is that VoNR is not just about “better calls,” but a sign of maturity for 5G SA. And that 5G SA enables advanced capabilities such as:
- Network slicing to prioritize communications as needed,
- Edge computing to reduce latency in industrial applications,
- More predictable connectivity for logistics, ports, transportation, or public services aligned with smart cities.
In other words: VoNR indicates that the network is ready for more than just displaying a “5G” icon—it’s preparing for broader uses and services.
What should users check if they want VoNR?
For those who just want to know “Do I have it?” the checklist is straightforward:
- Have a compatible 5G device (and, practically, one listed as certified by the operator).
- Be under 5G SA coverage (not just regular 5G).
- Keep software up to date (firmware and operator settings influence functionality).
- Understand that availability might depend on model, version, and configuration, even within the same brand.
A technical milestone with gradual impact
Telefónica’s announcement positions the operator clearly: VoNR is transitioning from a promise to a nationwide deployment. However, the immediate impact will be uneven: initially noticeable to users with certified devices in areas with solid 5G SA coverage; as the compatible device pool grows, VoNR will become the norm.
The key isn’t just about making calls over 5G. When voice over 5G becomes standard, the entire network stops behaving like a transition and starts acting as a platform.
via: Telefónica News