This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
Safaricom Launches Voice over LTE Service in Kenya ¶
On August 20, 2019, Safaricom announced the launch of its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service in Kenya, allowing users to make high-definition voice calls over 4G networks.
VoLTE is a high-definition voice calling service that uses 4G LTE networks instead of 2G/3G networks. This service offers several benefits, including high-definition voice, rich communications services, and multitasking capabilities.
Some of the benefits of VoLTE include:
- High-definition voice
- Rich Communications Services (RCS), which includes video calling, file transferring, real-time language translation, video voicemail, and instant messaging without third-party apps
- Enjoy multitasking, with the flexibility of calling while browsing simultaneously
According to Safaricom, the VoLTE service is available to users with LTE-enabled SIM cards. However, the service does not work on all smartphones, and users must check if their device is compatible before activating the service.
Some of the compatible devices include:
- Samsung devices: A2 Core, A10, A20, A30, A50, A70, A80, S10/S10+, S10e, Note10, Note10+, Note9, S9/S9+, Note8, S7, S7 Edge, A9 (2018), A7 (2018), A8+, A6+, J8, J6+, J6, J4+, J4
- Huawei devices: P30 Pro, P30, P30 Lite, P20 Pro, P20, P20 Lite, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20, Mate 10 Pro, Mate 10, Y5 Lite, Y5 (2019), Y6 (2019), Y7(2019), Y9 (2019), Y9 Prime (2019)
- HMD Global devices: Nokia 1, 1 Plus, 2.1, 3.1, 3.1 Plus, 3.2, 4.1, 4.1 Plus, 4.2, 5, 5.1, 5.1 Plus, 6, 6.1, 6.1 Plus, 7 Plus, 7.1, 8, 8.1, 9 Pureview
- Tecno Camon!!, Phantom 9, iTel A32, and Infinix S4
Users can activate the VoLTE service by following these simple steps:
- Enable VoLTE option from your phone's settings: Network & Internet – Mobile Network – Activate Enhanced 4G LTE Mode (or VoLTE depending on your phone)
- Dial 10012#
- Select option 3 then Enable VoLTE for your SIM card
- You will receive a pop-up notification that VoLTE has been enabled for your SIM
The VoLTE icon should now appear on your status bar next to your network icon. VoLTE calls do not use a data connection to make calls and are billed with normal tariffs as 3G calls. It also only works in areas with Safaricom 4G network.
For more information, visit https://www.safaricom.co.ke/volte/.
