Kenyan giant mobile service provider, Safaricom, has launched a voice over long term evolution (VoLTE) technology which will see its subscribers enjoy HD voice and video calls with minimal background noise, improving the calling experience.
Speaking during the launch, Safaricom’s Chief Customer Officer Sylvia Mulinge added that “beyond crystal clear voice calls, VoLTE empowers customers to better connect with families, friends and at work with high-quality video calling at no extra cost. Any Kenyan now has the freedom to make crystal clear calls and to make and receive clear video calls wherever they may be, on our 4G network.”
To access this new technology, clients will need a VoLTE-supporting 4G device (say a 4G smartphone) and a 4G-enabled SIM Card to get started. Unlike skype and other video calling services which require internet connectivity, this service will run under Safaricom’s basic standard calling rates and will enable customers to simultaneously call and browse at the high 4G speeds alongside switching from voice (VoLTE) to video (ViLTE) during a call.
While Safaricom is determined to enable iPhone users access this service, the newly launched service is currently available on select android-ran phones such as Samsung, Nokia, Tecno, Itel and Huawei. Customers using these devices may need to update their device software to enjoy the service. One can tell they’re on this technology by the “VoLTE” sign on their phone’s status bar.
Call quality under VoLTE is superior to 3G and 2G connections since more data can be transferred over 4G that the latter. This new technology has a high data capacity which is up to three times as much data as 3G and up to six times as much as 2G making it easier to make out not only what the person on the other end of the line is saying but also decipher their tonal voice.
Kenya is the first country in East Africa to enjoy this service which shall transform the calling experience and cement Safaricom’s position at the pinnacle of the mobile industry in Kenya.
Vincent is a Tech Journalist and a Media Consultant with Royal Media Services.
Twitter @Babuhamis & vincent.babu@techmagazine.co.ke
