Optus to deploy VoLTE in major capitals

Optus has announced it has started deploying Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology in major capital cities.

VoLTE allows smartphone users to make and receive calls using the operator’s 4G network, rather than having to fall back to 3G networks when calls are connected.

Because 4G LTE is primarily a data standard, falling back to 3G is typically required to enable circuit-switched connections for voice calls. But VoLTE transfers call traffic as IP traffic to eliminate the need to switch networks to place calls, allowing for simultaneous 4G web browsing.

VoLTE also offers advantages including high-definition quality voice calls.

Optus will initially roll out VoLTE technology in the CBD metro areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra.

Optus’s postpaid consumer and SMB customers using Samsung Galaxy S 7 and Galaxy S7 Edge smartphones will be among the first of the company’s users to be able to take advantage of VoLTE technology.

Dennis Wong, acting managing director of Optus Networks, said the operator will add the capability to other devices and expand its VoLTE footprint to more locations — including regional Australia — in the future.

“We’ve been testing and tweaking VoLTE for the best customer experience and we’re excited Optus customers will start to see the benefits of this technology on our 4G Plus network,” he said.

Image courtesy of Michael Zimmer under CC