Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. said Wednesday they have released smartphones that support the voice over Long-Term Evolution service.

The release comes in line with the start of commercialized VoLTE services by local mobile carriers SK Telecom Co. and LG Uplus Corp.

The VoLTE service, which offers voice calls through the fourth-generation LTE networks, enables clearer quality and faster connection than services on the existing third-generation network. Previously, LTE networks supported only data transmission.

Meanwhile, the two companies said they plan to provide VoLTE-supporting software for users who wish to upgrade their smartphones.

Samsung, which supplies VoLTE feature-embedded Galaxy S3 phones to the two mobile carriers, said it has completed preparations for users to upgrade the VoLTE software on their Galaxy S3 phones.

LG, which supplies Optimus LTE 2 phones for the VoLTE service by LG Uplus, said it also plans to provide software upgrades for Optimus LTE 2 users who wish to use the VoLTE service.

The company also said it has released the Connect 4G phone in the United States for those who use VoLTE via U.S. mobile carrier Metro PCS, which launched the service on Tuesday. (Yonhap News)