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| (Image Source: Tech Patrol/Smart Commujnications) |
Smart
Communications Inc., the wireless subsidiary of PLDT, officially began rolling
out its Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) service commercially to selected
subscribers after its activation across LTE areas in Metro Manila and will soon
become available for Smart Postpaid Signature Plan holders.
VoLTE
is the first, fully IP-based carrier grade voice service and uses 4G LTE
connectivity to transmit voice calls unlike the usual practice where calls are
made through 2G or 3G mobile networks. Its main benefit is none other than
high-definition voice call quality. Calls made over VoLTE are superior in quality
compared to those made over 3G and 2G, while VoLTE-to-VoLTE calls are crystal
clear with almost no background noise. The service also enables faster call
setup, which means the amount of time it takes for a mobile phone to connect to
another for a voice call will be drastically reduced. Aside from these
benefits, VoLTE users are able to stay online on the fastest 4G LTE network when
using data applications while making and receiving calls.
To
enjoy the intriguing benefits of the VoLTE service, customers need to own a
smartphone that is VoLTE-enabled. As of the moment, the Samsung Galaxy S8 or
higher as well as the Huawei P20 and Mate 20 are the only smartphones
possessing such capability but there will be more of these soon. Using these
handsets, customers can make VoLTE calls using their phone's native dialer
instead of a separate over-the-top (OTT) application. Compared to OTT apps
requiring both the caller and receiver to be online and on the same app, VoLTE
delivers voice call quality and guarantees the receiver of the call is reached.
Prior
to the activation and commercial availability of VoLTE in Metro Manila, Smart has
also activated its Voice WiFi (VoWiFi) services or WiFi Calling in 2018 where
customers can make and receive calls over a WiFi connection using their
smartphone's native dialer without the need to install a third-party
application. Aside from improved calling and messaging experience, WiFi Calling
also offers extended network coverage as customers can also make and receive video
calls whenever there is a WiFi connection. These pioneering initiatives put PLDT-Smart
at the forefront of innovation as it continues to bring and deliver the latest
technologies to its customers powered by the telco's widely strong nationwide
network for the best digital experience possible.
