Safaricom recently launched voice and video calls over its 4G network, popularly known as Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Video over LTE (ViLTE).
The services are immediately 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.
VoLTE offers a richer calling experience and clearer calls achieving High Definition voice quality. This is due to the ability of 4G networks to support a higher data capacity which in turn can carry up to three times more data per call compared to 3G networks and six times more compared to 2G networks. VoLTE also eliminates background noise, background jitter and other distortions that are characteristic of older calling technologies.
Customers on VoLTE will also enjoy the ability to simultaneously make calls and browse at 4G speeds. Previously, customers on 4G saw their data sessions slow down to 3G speeds when on calls. Due to its design, 3G technology typically results in slower speeds for the duration of a call as the older technology carries both voice and data traffic on the same channel, hence reducing the amount and speed of data that can be carried during a call.
Sylvia Mulinge, Chief Customer Officer, Safaricom
Beyond crystal clear voice calls, VoLTE further empowers our customers to better connect with families, friends and at work with high-quality video calling at no extra cost.
