Orange Upgrades Voice Call Quality in Moldova

­Orange Moldova has upgraded the voice sound quality on its network to support the WB-AMR codex. This is the second step in Orange's high-definition (HD) voice strategy, following on from the launch of a high-definition voice service for VoIP calls in 2006. Over 500,000 Livephone devices have already been sold in France and the range will be extended to other Orange countries over the coming months.

The first mobile handset integrating high-definition voice capability that will be launched by Orange Moldova is the Nokia 6720c. Background noise is also faded out to provide clearer voice conversations creating a feeling of proximity between both parties.

Market research suggests that 72% of customers would want their next mobile handset to be compatible with HD voice, and 50% of VoIP customers are willing to switch operator to get an improved voice quality service.

Yves Tyrode, Executive Vice President of the Orange Technocentre, said "high-definition voice is clearly the future standard for mobile communications and is set to vastly improve user experience over the coming years. We are very happy to be able to bring this technology to our customers in Moldova, who will be the first in the world to be able to enjoy such a service".

Orange plans to rapidly extend the range of HD voice-compatible mobile handsets across Europe. The Group plans to introduce HD voice services to the UK and Belgium markets by the end of 2010 and believes that these handsets will represent the majority of the 3G handsets sold within five years. At the same time, Orange will also continue its plans to roll out HD VoIP in other European markets such as Poland and Spain.

Posted to the site on 10th September 2009