Telecom equipment vendor ZTE has supported the first VoLTE (Voice over LTE) network launch in Hong Kong by 1O1O and one2free today.
The commercial launch will be in the first half of 2014.
“The availability of VoLTE device to our customers in the first half of next year will reinforce our position as the leading 4G LTE mobile operator in Hong Kong,” said Phil Mottram, chief executive officer of CSL.
CSL’s VoLTE offers clearer voice, instant connection, and better quality video calls enabled by ZTE’s IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) solution. VoLTE is expected to allow 1O1O and one2free to achieve better spectral efficiencies and will increase network capacity.
ZTE’s IMS solution supports eSRVCC (enhanced Single Radio Voice Call Continuity), delivering smooth handovers between voice calls on 4G and 3G networks for CSL’s VoLTE service.
In addition, customers can access CSL’s 4G mobile data services simultaneously, while conducting VoLTE calls. Customers will also be able to enjoy faster call setup speeds compared with 3G.
The company completed the upgrade of its LTE 1800MHz spectrum from 10MHz to 15MHz on the Island, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O and Tung Chung lines in December and will be extended to cover all MTR lines by the end of 2013 to benefit from superior network experience on speed and capacity.