 Compatible smartphones will initially include the Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge + and Note 5.
Vodafone chief technology officer Benoit Hanssen stated Vodafone expects “the number of customers with VoLTE-capable devices to increase rapidly over the next few years as more smartphone manufacturers incorporate the feature into new models”. “For customers with capable devices, VoLTE will mean an enhanced call experience, including shorter call set-up times as well as longer battery life on some smartphones,” Hanssen commented. “VoLTE not only allows users to stay on 4G during a voice call, they can also multi-task by continuing to use 4G data services such as web browsing while making or receiving a call.” Existing customers with a capable device will be able to receive the settings for the feature over the air or via a software upgrade of their smartphone. “It’s a really exciting change for the network, as this is the first step to moving all voice traffic over to 4G,” Hanssen commented. “In terms of the network, VoLTE means enhanced spectral efficiency with 2.3 times more users per MHz. “It will also support the re-farming of our spectrum from 3G to 4G, so that we can continue to provide great data speeds as traffic grows. We’re continuing to invest heavily in our network to bring further enhancements, with seamless voice over Wi-Fi one of the next features our customers can look forward to in the near future.” |
