Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd announced today that it has started field tests on Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) technology on its 4G LTE network.
VoLTE, sometimes also known as HD Voice, is a technology that brings voice calls over a 4G LTE network. The higher bandwidth of 4G LTE networks make it ideal to transmit higher fidelity voice calls than over the 2G and 3G networks. Along with that, VoLTE also brings with it noise cancellation capability. Both features are dependent on the mobile devices used for voice calls.
Another advantage of VoLTE is it allows customers to simultaneously surf the web, download or stream content from the internet at 4G LTE speeds while engaged on a voice call. Currently, the need to use 3G or 2G infrastructure to connect voice calls means internet activity will drop to slower speeds.
Digi already offers HD Voice (high definition voice quality) via its 3G network along with two other Malaysia operators. However Digi is currently the only Telco that has announced its intention to launch VoLTE.
Digi said the VoLTE test implementation (internal) in Digi is already underway and subscribers can expect to enjoy the improved call experience on compatible 4G LTE smartphones sometime in 2016. 2G and 3G voice calls will still be available at the launch of the VoLTE services to maintain service for subscribers without VoLTE capable devices.
The Telco told MalaysianWireless that its VoLTE system are being tested using solutions from network vendor, ZTE Corporation. Digi’s current 4G LTE and 3G network are mainly deployed by ZTE.
The Telco recently claimed that its 4G LTE network is now the widest in the country and covers 50% of the population in Malaysia. Its 4G LTE network runs on the 1800Mhz (band 3) and 2600Mhz (band 7) spectrum bands. In terms of 3G, it claims to cover 87% of Malaysia (human population areas).
As of 2Q15, Digi has a total of 11.8 million subscribers.
