UPSC Prelims 2019 · GS Paper I
Question 75: Science and Technology
With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?
- 1.LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
- 2.LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Neither statement is correct. LTE is commonly marketed as 4G, not 3G, and VoLTE is not an advanced 3G. LTE is a mobile broadband standard, and VoLTE is a way of carrying voice calls over that LTE network as data packets, so they are not a data-only and a voice-only technology. Remember: VoLTE means voice over the LTE data network, giving clearer calls and faster call set-up.
- 1. LTE is marketed as 4G.
- 2. VoLTE carries voice over the LTE network, so it is not a separate voice-only technology.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) and (c) go: each of them includes 2.
What you needed to know: VoLTE carries voice over the LTE network, so it is not a separate voice-only technology.
The red flag in statement 2 is “only”. In UPSC’s papers, statements with “only” were true 27% of the time (82 statements). A hint, not a rule.
- Then, if you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) goes: it includes 1.
What you needed to know: LTE is marketed as 4G.
Only (d) is left. This one needs every statement.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) LTE is marketed as 4G, not 3G.
- (b) VoLTE carries voice over the LTE data network; LTE is not data-only in the sense stated.
- (c) Both statements are wrong.
- (d) Correct: neither statement holds.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.