Enterprise News
What You Need To Know about Safaricom’s Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Video over LTE (ViLTE)
VoLTE has better phone call quality that is three times better than 3G and six times better than 4G.
Safaricom 4G users now have a reason to smile after the telco launched voice and video calls over its 4G network, popularly known as Voicer over LTE (VoLTE) and Video over LTE (ViLTE) on Wednesday morning.
The latest technology will enable subscribers to enjoy HD calls and video calls that are ultra clear with reduced background noise, making conversation more effective. The service is already available countrywide to any Safaricom customer with a VoLTE-supporting 4G device and a 4G enabled SIM Card, and will be offered at no additional cost compared to standard calls.
During the launch, Charles Kare, director consumer business at Safaricom noted that VoLTE has better phone call quality that is three times better than 3G and six times better than 4G.
“We are the first to bring this technology to East Africa. Our customers can now make quality voice and video calls without internet and at normal calling rates,’’ Kare said.
Safaricom 4G users stand at 45 per cent of its total subscribers and is set to push it to 80 per cent by March 2020
“Our 4G network currently covers 2000 towns across the country. We plan to increase this to 5000 towns or 80 per cent of our subscribers by March 2020,’’ Kare said.
Unlike previously where customers on 4G saw their data sessions slow down to 3G speeds when on calls, VoLTE users will enjoy the ability to simultaneously make calls and browse at 4G speeds.
Calls on VoLTE can be distinguished by the “HD Calling” symbol which appears when a VoLTE call is in progress. Customers can also tell when they are on VoLTE by the “VoLTE” symbol in their status bars. The technology also allows a customer to switch between voice and video calls during a VoLTE call, though video calls will only be possible if both the caller’s and receiver’s device support the technology.
Through the service, Safaricom is looking to meet rising demand for video calling which is being driven by increasing data and smartphone usage.
The company also sees an opportunity in businesses who stand to benefit from the improved call clarity, especially when making calls on the move or making conference and group calls over mobile phones. Safaricom also sees a demand for video calls among businesses, especially among small businesses who increasingly rely on mobile video for marketing and trading.
In addition to activating VoLTE and ViLTE on its network, Safaricom has also introduced a range of affordable VoLTE capable devices to the market, including the Neon Ray retailing at KES 3,999 and the Neon Nova at KES 5,999. All devices are immediately available at all Safaricom shops, Safaricom dealers, and Masoko.
Besides the two devices, VoLTE is also available on select Samsung, Nokia, Tecno, Itel and Huawei devices. Customers using these devices may need to update their device software to enjoy the service.
