Batelco, Bahrain's leading communications solutions provider, has announced the successful implementation of its network’s first VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology.

Batelco has partnered with Ericsson, among the world’s leading communications technology companies, to deliver this technology for Batelco’s customers ahead of its competitors, said a statement from the company.

VoLTE technology delivers the capability to make and receive calls over the 4G/LTE network while also supporting video calls, instant messaging, video streaming and data browsing, it said.

Through this service Batelco’s customers will be able to simultaneously access the Internet at 4G LTE speeds while making crystal-clear HD voice calls, it added.

The company’s customers have been benefiting from a simultaneous talk and surf service over Batelco’s 3G network for years, but the new 4G service delivers ultra-fast data speeds which will provide a very impressive superior service.  
 
Batelco Bahrain CEO Muna Al Hashemi said that the service will improve customer experience by enabling simultaneous HD voice calls and video with faster call setup time.

Al Hashemi said: “The service will allow customers to enjoy High Definition (HD) Voice calls with call setup times of less than a second and pave the way to advanced and interoperable services that facilitate multimedia communication and collaboration at the same time as the voice call is being made.”

“This means that video call, instant messaging, video streaming or 4G browsing services can all be used during the call,” she said.

“Voice over LTE is considered the next step in voice calls because it runs completely on Internet technology and promises features such as clearer calls and the integration of video and voice services,” she added.

“We are working with Ericsson to provide additional services using our 4G/LTE network to enhance the communication services for our customers,” Al Hashemi concluded.

Patrik Melander, Ericsson’s head of GCC and Pakistan, said: “Ericsson is proud to having been part of this vital step in Batelco’s ICT Transformation. The Ericsson VoLTE platform will deliver the most advanced communications services, improving customer experience for voice and enabling the launch of new multimedia services never seen before in the kingdom.” – TradeArabia News Service