Telstra launches world's largest HD voice network

Australia's largest telecommunications and information services company, Telstra,  has emerged as the operator with the world's  largest HD voice network, with its voice 'footprint' covering over 2.1 million square kilometres.

HD voice is the latest way to transport speech across a mobile network. It vastly improves voice quality by capturing a broader range of audible speech, dramatically improving the ability to distinguish a caller's voice from background noise and thereby communicate without compromising voice quality when using a mobile device.

A software upgrade from Ericsson on Telstra's existing core and WCDMA network, based on an existing contract between the companies, allows people to access the new service on compatible HD voice handsets.

Mike Wright, director of Networks and Access Technologies, Telstra, says, "Telstra has launched many firsts on the Australian market, including HSPA+ and  we are the first Australian operator to commence deployment of LTE, the 4th generation of mobile communications technology.

"So not only do Telstra mobile customers have access to the largest and fastest national mobile network, they also have access to the latest voice technology. Telstra is proud that we continue to provide leading edge services for our customers," he said.

Johan Wibergh, head of Ericsson's Business Unit Networks, says, "We believe HD voice is an innovation for voice services similar to the shift from standard TV to HDTV.  The marked difference in quality is a leap in voice services, and we're delighted that the strong partnership between Ericsson and Telstra has made it possible to create the largest HD voice network in the world."

In addition, the integration of Mobile SoftSwitch Solution (MSS) and WCDMA software was done without interruption to current services. "Many recently released handset models have HD voice capabilities built in, such as recent models from the Sony Ericsson Xperia family," said Wibergh.

With close to 70 per cent of global mobile revenues still linked to voice calls, HD voice can help operators differentiate themselves in the market and allow them to provide a superior experience to their consumers.