Press Release | 10 Mar 2015

VODAFONE UK TO LAUNCH WI-FI CALLING AND VoLTE SERVICES THIS SUMMER

Vodafone UK today announced it will launch Wi-Fi Calling and Voice over 4G (VoLTE) this summer.

Wi-Fi Calling uses an existing Wi-Fi service to automatically provide customers with a voice signal without the need to gothroughanapp. Itisparticularlysuitedtocustomerslivinginareaswherenetworkcoverageislimitedorwhereit is difficult to get an indoor signal.

From summer, Vodafone will also launch Voice over LTE (VoLTE), a universal technology which allows voice calls to be carried across Vodafone’s 4G data network, instead of using the 2G or 3G voice network as they do today. Vodafone has been testing both technologies in its network laboratory for several months. It now intends to start VoLTE user trials ahead of its commercial launch.

Jeroen Hoencamp, Vodafone UK Chief Executive said, “Our Wi-Fi Calling service will ensure that our customers never miss a call. It is another important step towards our commitment to build the UK’s strongest converged network.”

The rollout of Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE are part of £1 billion Vodafone is currently spending on its network and services across the UK. It follows the nationwide provision of HD (High Definition) Voice technology, the roll-out of 4G+ (Carrier Aggregation) and the Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal programme aimed at giving remote communities 3G coverage for the first time.

More information on the service and compatible handsets will be published at launch.

-ENDS-

 

About Vodafone UK

Vodafone UK is a technology communications company that connects people, businesses and devices to help our customers benefit from digital innovation. Our services span mobile, fixed-line connections, home and office broadband, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

We have a strong track record as a tech pioneer, making the UK’s first mobile phone call, sending the first text message, and making the UK’s first live holographic call using 5G in 2018. We were the first to start carrying live 5G traffic from a site in Salford, Greater Manchester and now have 5G in locations across Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain as well as the UK. Meanwhile, our 4G network coverage currently reaches over 99% of the UK population.

Today, Vodafone serves more than 18 million mobile and fixed-line customers in the UK. Vodafone is the largest provider of full fibre in the UK – our superfast broadband services are now available to nearly 12 million homes across the UK.

Sustainability is also at the heart of what we do: as of 1 July 2021, 100% of the grid electricity we use in the UK is certified to be from renewable sources.

For more information about Vodafone UK, please visit: www.vodafone.co.uk.

Vodafone UK Media Relations

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Email: ukmediarelations@vodafone.com

Twitter: @VodafoneUKNews

Website: https://vodafone.co.uk/newscentre/

Vodafone Limited

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