- Australian first to improve voice call experience for MVNO postpaid customers
Optus today announced it is offering its wholesale partners using the Optus mobile network, known as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), Voice over LTE and WiFi calling across its 4G mobile network.
Optus is the first mobile carrier network operator in Australia to give postpaid service providers access to Voice over LTE (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.
Ben White, Managing Director, Wholesale, Satellite and Strategy, said the services would provide new value and an improved experience for MVNO customers.
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.
Were excited to be the first mobile network operator to offer our MVNO partners the benefits of VoLTE, which is available everywhere the Optus 4G network reaches. We understand that high-quality connectivity and value is critical to our partners, which is why were committed to continuously improve our products and services, said Mr White.
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.
WiFi Calling is automatically provisioned with VoLTE and makes staying connected easier when mobile signal is limited and there is an available WiFi service. It is particularly useful indoors and solves the problem of coverage holes in areas where mobile signals can struggle to penetrate, added Mr White.
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.
