Verizon Communications and AT&T Inc are expecting to be able to transmit wireless voice calls between the two carriers over high-speed data networks no later than 2015.
The technology would most likely improve the quality of calls and allow for video calling and voicemail, according to Reuters.
The calls would be transmitted by using technology known as Voice over LTE, which works by repackaging voice calls as data and transmits them over carriers' high-speed data networks.
Data is sent through high-speed 4G networks, while carries currently transmit most calls on 2G networks.
"Interoperability among all VoLTE providers takes connectivity to the next level with HD quality voice and additional features that customers want," Tony Melone, chief technology officer at Verizon, said in a statement, according to Reuters.
AT&T and T-Mobile started rolling out Voice over LTE in a few cities earlier this year.
A nationwide launch was announced by Verizon back in September, though it told customers they couldn't call subscribers on other networks using the technology, according to Reuters.
Most analyst believe the technology could also allow customers to purchase devices that aren't set to a specific carrier and can be transferred easily to another network.
"Customers expect to be able to connect anywhere, anytime - and as LTE technology continues to evolve, it's imperative that we provide a seamless experience between carriers," Krish Prabhu, president, AT&T Labs and AT&T chief technology officer, said in a statement, according to Reuters.
Voice over LTE will help wireless carriers use their network resources more efficiently by allowing them to get rid of old voice network infrastructure and free up wireless spectrum currently used for voice calls, according to Reuters.
Verizon also announced Monday that new and existing customers will get 10GB of data for $80 per month and 15GB for $100, beginning this week under its "More Everything" program.
Before the limited-time promotion, the offer was just 6GB for $80 and 10GB for $100.
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
