HD Voice is coming to O2

O2 is in the process of applying HD Voice capability across its core and radio network for UK business customers. HD Voice provides customers with a crystal clear voice quality and substantially reduces background noise. As long as the customer has got a compatible handset, is using the latest software and is on our 3G network, they may notice a huge difference in the quality of their voice calls.

O2 has approximately 6.5million HD compatible devices on its base which would benefit from HD Voice, and the number is growing all the time as customers upgrade both their handsets and their operating systems.

This service will rolled out as a free of charge to customers from w/c 18th May, and O2 will be contacting some of its Consumer and Business base, to let customers who are able to benefit know it’s arrived. 

How do you enable HD Voice?

Customers don’t need to activate any settings on their device. As long as they’re using an HD capable device and correct OS, and are in a 3G area it will work. O2 estimate that about 3 million customers will have the capability from launch. For others they’ll need to wait until their OS has been upgraded (or they’re able to do this manually).

Where will you receive HD Voice? 

HD voice will be possible anywhere there’s 3G Coverage, which can be confirmed on Coverage Checker. Remember - calls don’t go over 4G. So if a handset is showing 4G when you make a call, it’ll handover to 3G or 2G. If there’s no 3G in the area, the call will happen over 2G, so it won’t be in HD voice. 

When will you receive HD Voice? 

HD voice started rolling out to customers from WC 18 May 2015. 

What do you need to take advantage of HD Voice? 

• HD Voice capable handsets (caller and recipient) 
• HD Capable Operating System (OS) on devices (caller and recipient) 
• 3G coverage for both caller and recipient 
• Both caller and recipient to be on O2

What if you drop from 3G to 2G? 

HD Voice is dependent on 3G coverage for both the caller and the recipient. In some circumstances during a call the Network coverage may change from 3G to 2G as you move around. In this instance, the call will continue, but you may notice a change in the audio quality. You cannot make voice calls on 4G so it would never go from 3G to 4G. 

Compatibility - Will call types will HD Voice work with?… 

• Voicemail NO 
• Landlines NO 
• TuGo Calls NO 
• Conference calling (merging someone in) NO 
• Bluetooth headsets Some Bluetooth devices support HD voice 

Compatibility – What devices are compatible with HD Voice?

Check the Features tab for the customer’s device in the HD Voice device matrix on Box. 

Does HD voice cost more? 

The answer is no. Calls made over HD voice are charged at the same price as normal calls, so don’t cost anything extra, and are included in bundles as normal.