Safaricom launches data-free video call feature dubbed ‘VoLTE’

Just days after re-introducing the reverse call feature, Safaricom have launched a new High Definition (HD) voice and video calls feature dubbed ‘VoLTE’ (Voice Over Long Time Evolution)

With the same charges as the normal voice calls, Safaricom customers can now make VoLTE calls regardless of whether one has data or not. This is so because the VoLTE calls do not use data but rather airtime. Safaricom also says that you will be able to enjoy VoLTE on your Tunukiwa bundles or Blaze bundles at no extra cost.

Unfortunately, iPhone users will not be able to enjoy this new features yet as it is not available on iOS. VoLTE is only available on Samsung, Nokia, Huawei and the Safaricom Neon phones.

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“The introduction of VoLTE was possible because of the 4G Network. This goes back to our 18-year commitment to our customers to always offer you world-class quality and reliability through our products and services,” Charles Kare, Director, Consumer Business Unit at Safaricom said during the launch.

According to Safaricom, VoLTE enables you to have 3X better phone quality on 4G or 6 times better quality than what was offered in the 3G and 2G. To enjoy this feature, you will need a VoLTE capable device which supports a Safaricom sim card and be in proximity of a 4G location.

Since the VoLTE network is on another platform, Safaricom says that they will continuously roll out this feature to those customers with supported phones. Unfortunately, the VoLTE network does not allow calls to other network.

“VoLTE network does not allow calls to other networks yet. We will have to liaise with other networks as they develop their 4G networks as well and perhaps in the future it will be possible to make VoLTE calls to other networks,” Kare said.

Safaricom is also still developing the reverse call feature before making it available on the VoLTE network.

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