Apparatus and methods of performing a network cell transition for a voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) capable mobile device. Initially, the mobile device can detect a call initiation event. Thereafter, the mobile device determines whether a radio signal power associated with its serving LTE network base station is less than a radio access technology (RAT) specific threshold (i.e., an LTE-specific threshold). In a scenario where the radio signal power is less than the RAT-specific threshold the mobile device can effectuate a transition to an available neighbor network base station employing a legacy RAT, prior to establishing a voice call. When the mobile device is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected mode the network cell transition may be associated with an induced network handover procedure. Alternatively, when the mobile device is in an RRC idle mode the network cell transition may be associated with network reselection procedure.