Vodafone 4G calling: successful start to VoLTE trials
Customers to benefit from faster call connect times
Vodafone customers are a step closer to enjoying faster call connect times following the mobile provider’s successful trial of its first voice calls using 4G (also known as Voice over LTE or VoLTE).
Vodafone is carrying out extensive laboratory and field testing of the technology before making 4G calling available to customers later this year.
Crystal-clear, no-lag calling
“This is a milestone in Vodafone’s network evolution,” said Vodafone Chief Technology Officer Benoit Hanssen.
“With VoLTE, customers will enjoy call connection times that are two to three times quicker. There’ll be virtually no lag between pressing the call button and being connected to the number you’ve dialled.”
VoLTE fully integrates voice and data for a better customer experience. It allows mobile phone users to talk on their device and access 4G data at the same time, instead of the current technology which sees smartphone users drop back to 3G when making or receiving calls.
“Vodafone will be one of the first to launch VoLTE in Australia. It offers the benefit of staying on 4G when receiving or making calls, offering a better data experience,” said Mr Hanssen.
“This is the next stage of our network evolution made possible through the introduction of our new core network. We will continue to innovate and offer our customers a world-class mobile experience.”
Popular smartphones compatible
VoLTE-compatible smartphones include the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4, and Australia’s cheapest 4G smartphone, the Huawei Ascend Y550.
There are more than two million devices connected to the Vodafone 4G network, which now reaches 95% of Australia’s metropolitan population.
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Notes to editors:
- The 4G standard was originally developed as a platform to carry data, but VoLTE now allows mobile phone users to enjoy the extra benefits of the spectrum.
- Vodafone is able to deliver this service through the complete upgrade and modernisation of its core network, which it announced last year.
- In December 2014, Vodafone hit another milestone in its 4G rollout by reaching 95% of the Australian metropolitan population through the refarming of its low-band 850 spectrum previously used for 3G.