The service, which is now commercially available between the three operators’ networks in Kuwait, will offer seamless and direct local VoLTE-to-VoLTE services on supported devices.
The operators worked closely with mobile industry body the GSMA to make Kuwait the first country in the MENA region to commercially launch IMS interconnect services. The trials included several tests of VoLTE interconnection in partnership with Huawei.
Daaij Al-Oud, acting CTO of Zain Kuwait, said: This accomplishment adds tremendous value to our customers, where they will be able to enjoy unprecedented features on the interconnected network.
“This achievement will further strengthen our capabilities in providing an end-to-end high quality IMS experience off of Zain’s network. The next step will see trials of a similar interconnection but on an international scale, where our customers will be able to enjoy high-quality end-to-end VoLTE calls with our other partners through VoLTE roaming services.”
According to the companies, VoLTE will bring users a number of significant improvements. The service enhances the overall user experience without interrupting their LTE Internet experience. Connection times will be significantly shorter, which will come to complement and improve customers’ experience
Hendrik Vorster, CTO Ooredoo Kuwait, commented: “This initiative further enhances our Customer Experience and increased Quality-of-Service for our subscribers within Kuwait. Faster call-setup times and higher quality Voice and Video calling, with VoLTE interconnect, places Kuwait at a technology forefront and will be the springboard for further development of new IMS-based Value Added Services.”
