Why VoIP calls break up on a fast connection
Why a good speed test result does not guarantee clear calls, and how to fix the problem.
A speed test can show a fast connection while calls still sound choppy, because speed and call quality depend on different things.
Throughput and consistency
A voice call uses very little bandwidth, but it needs packets to arrive at a steady rate. A fast line that delivers packets unevenly produces choppy audio.
Common causes
- A backup or cloud sync using the full upload while calls are in progress
- Wi-Fi instead of cable between the handset and the router, especially in buildings with a lot of metal
- Consumer routers that give voice traffic no priority
- A shared LTE link during the busiest hour of the day
The fix
Prioritising voice traffic on the router solves most cases without changing the line. Moving desk phones from Wi-Fi to cable solves most of the rest. A faster package usually does not help.
