Robi launches country’s first ever VoLTE service

Dhaka, 13 February 2020: The leading digital service provider of the country, Robi Axiata Limited has become the first operator to launch the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service in the country. This innovative digital service was unveiled at a programme at a city hotel yesterday.

Initially, Robi and Airtel customers in Dhaka and Chattogram division will be able to avail this innovative service. At the time of launching, more than 5,000 sites in Dhaka and Chattogram division have been activated with VoLTE service. Gradually, the service will be expanded to the rest of the country.

VoLTE is truly an IP based voice call technology; it is especially designed to ensure HD quality voice calls. VoLTE treats voice as just another application that rides on the LTE data network. This advanced technology will allow customers to have their calls set up within only 3-4 seconds, which is 40-50% faster than traditional 2G or 3G voice calls.

The benefits of using VoLTE technology doesn’t end here. According to a GSMA study (The global trade body of all mobile operators), customers get 40% more battery life using VoLTE compared to calls made through OTTs (Over the Top), like, whatsapp, viber, imo, etc.

The best part is there will be no additional charges for using VoLTE services. In order to have end to end service experience, the person making a call and the person receiving the call need to have VoLTE supported and enabled 4G handsets and VoLTE activated 4G SIM card in their handset and be present in the VoLTE coverage areas.

Honourable Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, MP was present at the launching event as the chief guest. Honorable Posts and Telecommunications Minister, Mustafa Jabbar, was present on the occasion as the special guest.

Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary, Md Nur-Ur-Rahman and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Chairman, Md. Jahurul Haque were present at the launching programme as the guests of honour.

Honourable Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, MP said, “I sincerely thank Robi for launching VoLTE in Bangladesh. It would be excellent to see the quality of service in the telecom sector improve due to VoLTE.”

Honorable Posts and Telecommunications Minister, Mustafa Jabbar said, “Robi was the only operator that came forward when we conducted the trial run for 5G. Similarly, when it came to VoLTE, we find Robi coming forward to deliver the innovative voice service, VoLTE. Since Robi took Bangladesh to the VoLTE era, I would hope other operators will also do the same soon.”

Speaking on the occasion, Robi’s Managing Director and CEO, Mahtab Uddin Ahmed said: “We are indeed very proud to be the first operator to launch the VoLTE service in the country.

With the launch of VoLTE, Robi has become the only operator to offer voice service over 2G, 3.5G and 4.5G network. This means that the launching of the VoLTE service does not only ensures HD quality voice service, it also significantly enhances Robi network’s ability to carry voice calls over its network due to the additional capacity provided by VoLTE. The most exciting part is that our customers won’t have to pay any extra charge for availing this new innovative experience in their lives.”

Alluding to VoLTE as the real game changer, he added: “Since the beginning of the Telecom industry about two decades ago, voice service had been handled in the traditional way using 2G and 3G technology. 3G being only an intermediary technology was never going to offer long term solution to voice call quality. In comparison, using IP technology, VoLTE truly changes the way voice call is managed paving the way for complete implementation of the Digital Bangladesh vision by 2021.”

Robi’s Chief Commercial Officer, Shihab Ahmad also spoke on the occasion.

Interested Robi or Airtel customers can enjoy the VoLTE service by dialing *86583#. Officials from Robi and Airtel will later on reach out to the interested users to guide them into enjoying the service if they are eligible. Robi and Airtel customers may also call its customer care number: 121 to learn more about the process. Customers can also visit selected Robi and Airtel walk-in-centres to experience the service and learn further details.

Earlier, on the 16th of January last year, Robi conducted the first ever successful trial of VoLTE technology on its 4.5G network. With the launch of VoLTE, Robi has clearly stamped its authority as the leading innovator in the rapidly evolving telco industry.