Verizon announces plans to launch VoLTE service in Q4 2014, will still release CDMA-capable phones until 2016

Verizon Wireless has announced its plans to launch support for Voice over LTE service (or VoLTE) on its cellular network later this year, according to FierceWireless. However, the company says it has moved back its plan to release a VoLTE-only phone until 2016, and will continue releasing CDMA-capable phones until that time. Such a device was originally anticipated for the end of 2014.

The carrier originally announced earlier this year that it would support the new voice service, which provides higher-quality phone calls by utilizing high-speed data connections, but declined at the time to say exactly when it would happen. Other U.S. carriers, including T-Mobile and AT&T, have already started rolling the technology out in select markets.

Several popular Android smartphones already support the VoLTE technology, including the LG G Flex and Galaxy Note 3. More devices are expected to be released in the coming months as the technology starts to gain a foothold in major markets.