KPN and Vodafone Netherlands have started deploying an IP interconnection between their networks, the companies confirmed to Telecompaper. The interconnection came to light when Telecompaper succeeded in setting up HD Voice conversations between customers on the KPN and Vodafone NL networks.
In a joint statement, KPN and Vodafone NL said they are working together to roll out IP interconnection between both networks. As a consequence, some customers at the operators will be able to experience improved audio quality (HD Voice) in conversations. KPN and Vodafone will look to extend the deployment in the near future so that all calls made via the 3G or 4G network of both providers will run through this IP interconnection.
Interconnection for both HD Voice and VoLTE
Through the interconnection, VoLTE (Voice over LTE) will also become possible between KPN and Vodafone customers, in the long term. VoLTE means faster call setup, better sound quality, and simultaneous 4G calling and internet access.
KPN has been offering HD Voice since March 2012, which means customers can call through the provider’s 3G or 4G network. Vodafone started offering HD Voice on its 3G network in July 2012 and rolled the service out on its 4G network in June 2014.
KPN and Vodafone NL solve interconnection problem
Until recently, customers had been able to experience HD Voice quality only on phone calls where both people were connected to the same mobile network. Due to the lack of IP interconnection between the four mobile networks in the Netherlands, people lost HD Voice quality when calling people on another mobile network. This situation is still in existence for Tele2 Netherlands and T-Mobile Netherlands customers, or when customers from KPN or Vodafone NL call T-Mobile NL or Tele2 NL customers. All four Dutch mobile providers offer HD Voice within their own network.
