Vodafone New Zealand (VNZ) and Nokia Networks recently showcased VNZ's first VoLTE call, powered by Nokia Networks. The VoLTE service which was delivered via a cloud-based IMS network is enabled by the deployment of Nokia's IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Open TAS (Telecommunications Application Server), Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and Border Gateway (Open BGW) solutions.
The demo of the VoLTE call by both companies indicates the readiness of VNZ to offer high-definition (HD) voice calls for its subscribers. As a next-generation technology, VoLTE which works without an app, brings multiple benefits for operators and customers alike. These include HD voice quality, faster call set-up times with voice continuity, and optimized performance under load. The overall data consumption and signaling load is also lower compared to over-the-top voice applications. Recent tests in Nokia Networks Smart Labs indicate that VoLTE clients show significantly lower data consumption thanks to a more efficient stand-by mode.
August last year, Vodafone teamed up with Nokia Networks to launch its commercial 700MHz LTE network.
Ray Owen, Head of Australia and New Zealand, Nokia Networks
Nokia Networks is proud to partner with Vodafone New Zealand to bring the first VoLTE experience to consumers in New Zealand. This is an important milestone - not only in New Zealand - but across the Asia Pacific region. It enables Vodafone’s customers to be among the first subscribers in the world to experience VoLTE.
Tony Baird, Technology Director, Vodafone New Zealand
As New Zealand’s 4G leader, we’re committed to investing in our 4G network for the benefit of customers – VoLTE is the next evolution. Together with Nokia Networks, we have made real progress with tests and hope to launch a commercial VoLTE service soon.
