StarHub deploys NSN’s open TAS

Singapore's second largest mobile operator, StarHub has become the first in Southeast Asia to successfully dial GSM Voice over LTE (VoLTE) calls on its "live" 4G network in Plaza Singapura.

To enable VoLTE, StarHub deployed Nokia Solutions and Networks's (NSN') open TAS (telecommunications application server) for voice, home subscriber Server (HSS) and IP Multi Media Subsystem (IMS).

"VoLTE services are part of an existing LTE agreement that was signed between NSN and StarHub in 2012. NSN had supplied its Single RAN (single radio access network) platform based on its compact and energy-efficient Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Stations to enable StarHub to run GSM and LTE concurrently on the 1800 MHz band," the company mentioned in its statement.

"VoLTE enables customers to make HD Voice calls over a 4G network, by allowing more speech information to be sent - broader frequency range and over twice the bandwidth as compared to standard voice calls. This results in natural-sounding and significantly clearer phone conversations with reduced background noise," it siad.

"StarHub aims to enable this feature for customers next year when a wide selection of popular VoLTE-capable phone models becomes available for its fast expanding 4G smartphone customer base, which has more than doubled since the start of this year," according to a media release.

"Crossing this major VoLTE milestone marks a great leap forward for StarHub. With VoLTE and HD Voice on StarHub's 4G and 3G networks, our customers can enjoy supreme crystal clear voice quality when talking to their loved ones anytime, anywhere," said Chan Kin Hung, Head of Personal Solutions at StarHub.

"As their long-standing technology partner, we will continue to provide our technology and expertise to enable StarHub to deliver innovative services to its customers," said Paul Tyler, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific at NSN.