Optus last week announced that it is offering its wholesale partners using the Optus mobile network, known as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and WiFi calling across its 4G mobile network.
Optus said that it is the first mobile carrier network operator in Australia to give postpaid service providers access to VoLTE and WiFi Calling, demonstrating Optus’ commitment to its wholesale partners.
VoLTE allows users to make and receive calls over the 4G network. Previously, only data services were offered via 4G to MVNO postpaid customers.
VoLTE works by utilising 4G technology to make calls, as opposed to dropping down to 3G when a call connection takes place.
Optus’ wholesale partners are now able to benefit from voice over WiFi – or WiFi Calling – which allows users with a compatible device to make and receive calls or text where there is limited mobile coverage but an accessible WiFi service, such as home, office or public WiFi.
When WiFi Calling is switched on and if there is insufficient mobile coverage, a device automatically detects and switches to an authorised WiFi connection to use voice and messaging services. When using WiFi Calling or VoLTE, no additional charges will be made on top of regular voice call rates and customers’ mobile data will not be consumed.
Ben White, Managing Director, Wholesale, Satellite and Strategy
VoLTE will be progressively rolled out to our MVNO partners and will provide higher quality audio and faster call connection times. Multi-tasking is made easy as customers can browse the web, download files or run apps while simultaneously on a call over 4G.
