Understanding Safaricom’s VoLTE and the Benefits that Come Along

Safaricom recently launched Volte, Voice over Long-Term Evolution, which is now enabled on its 4G network.

As a Safaricom customer, do you know that VoLTE, once enabled on your device will enable a more enriching conversation that is clear of noise or any other distractions?

What is VoLTE?

VoLTE, an abbreviation that simply means Voice over Long-Term Evolution, is a standard for high-speed wireless communication for smart mobile phones and data terminals which include IoT devices.

VoLTE has an advanced technology that enables the delivery of high-quality life-like sound over voice and video calls across the 4G network. Volte is appreciated for its voice and data capacity and clarity.

To use VoLTE a customer needs to have a compatible device that supports VoLTE on the Safaricom network, as well as the VoLTE service provisioned on their SIM card.

VoLTE will only function when in 4G/LTE coverage. However, it is important to note that the device will automatically switch back to the older 2G and 3G technologies when necessary to enable a seamless experience.

A customer on VoLTE can call a customer on a non-VoLTE device, or who is not in 4G/LTE coverage, and vice versa.

Advantages of VoLTE

Customers on VoLTE enjoy HD calls. HD call simply means that the call will have crystal clear audio, making the call sound natural, as if you are standing next to the person on the other end of the call.

The calls are most enhanced if both parties are VoLTE enabled and they are located in a 4G location as they can switch to video call effortlessly within call. VoLTE does not incur you, as a consumer, any extra charges other than the normal calling charges yet it gives you better quality calls with crystal clear conversations.

“We are proud to introduce the latest calling technology across the country which will enable Kenyans to make voice and video calls over 4G,” Chief Customer Officer, Safaricom, Sylvia Mulinge said.

“Beyond crystal clear voice calls, VoLTE further empowers our customers to better connect with families, friends and at work with high-quality video calling at no extra cost,” Mulinge said adding that any Kenyan now has the freedom to make crystal clear calls and to make and receive clear video calls wherever they may be, on Safaricom’s 4G network.

Safaricom customers on VoLTE will also enjoy the ability to simultaneously make calls and browse at 4G speeds.

Safaricom has also committed to having the service available to a majority of Kenyans by embarking on an ambitious expansion of its 4G network. The company shall double the number of 4G base stations across the country to more than 5,000 by the end of the year.

In addition to activating VoLTE and ViLTE on its network, Safaricom has also introduced a range of affordable VoLTE capable devices to the market, including the Neon Ray retailing at 3,999 shillings and the Neon Nova at 5,999 shillings. All devices are immediately available at all Safaricom shops, Safaricom dealers, and Masoko.

Besides the two devices, VoLTE is also available on select Samsung, Nokia, Tecno, Itel and Huawei devices. Customers using these devices may need to update their device software to enjoy the service.

Who Qualifies to Use Volte?

Safaricom released a list of devices that are VoLTE on their network during the launch. Below is the list:

• Huawei Mate 10 Lite
• Huawei Mate 10 Pro
• Huawei Mate 20
• Huawei Mate 20 Lite
• Huawei Mate 20 Pro
• Huawei P20
• Huawei P20 Lite
• Huawei P20 Pro
• HUAWEI Technologies Co Ltd Mate 20
• HUAWEI Technologies Co Ltd Mate 20 lite
• HUAWEI Technologies Co Ltd Mate 20 Pro
• HUAWEI Technologies Co Ltd P20
• HUAWEI Technologies Co Ltd P20 lite
• HUAWEI Technologies Co Ltd P30 lite
• HUAWEI Technologies Co Ltd Y6 Prime 2019
• HUAWEI Technologies Co Ltd Y7 Prime 2019
• Nokia 2.1
• Nokia 3.1
• Nokia 5.1
• Nokia 6.1
• Nokia 7.1
• Samsung Galaxy A6 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy A7 2018
• Samsung Galaxy A8 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy A9
• Samsung Galaxy J4 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy J6
• Samsung Galaxy J6 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy J8
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8 LTE
• Samsung Galaxy Note 9
• Samsung Galaxy S8
• Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy S9
• Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
• Samsung Korea Galaxy S10
• Samsung Korea Galaxy S10 Plus
• Samsung Korea Galaxy S9