OREANDA-NEWS. May 14, 2014. EMT will become the first Estonian carrier to test the HD Voice functionality on its 3G network which dramatically improves the quality and clarity of voice calls.  HD Voice eliminates all background noise so the conversations are crystal clear. This service is automatically available to all EMT and Diil customers with an HD capable phone.

To make an HD Voice call both the caller and the receiver need an HD-enabled phone and both need to be on EMT's 3G network. All new smartphones support HD Voice and the feature is listed on device's page at EMT's online shop.

According to Toomas Vebel, Head of Voice and Communication Solutions Area at EMT, the advantage of HD Voice technology is most apparent in noisy environments – city streets, shopping centers, open offices, and public events – the background noise is eliminated, thus improving the clarity of the conversation. "Switching from regular voice calls to HD voice calls is comparable to switching to high-definition TV (HDTV). HD Voice call sound clearer and more natural than a standard call because of the background noise elimination".

„The answer to the question "why is HD Voice not available on 4G, which is the most advanced mobile network?" would be the fact that 4G network provides only internet services and voice calls made on 4G are transferred to another type of network with voice service," Vebel added.

HD Voice (Wideband AMR, WB AMR) is enabled by using a wider frequency spectrum (50-7000Hz instead of 300-3400Hz). HD Voice functionality is provided by 100 carriers in 71 countries, including the Nordic countries.

HD Voice will be fully functional on EMT's 3G network in a month.

For more information on HD Voice, visit www.emt.ee/hd-kone.