Smile, which operates mobile wireless 4G LTE broadband networks in the 800MHz band in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, has tied up with UK-based Squire Technologies to offer first VoLTE (Voice over LTE) network in Africa.
Squire Technologies’ SVI-SBC (Session Border Controller) has played a crucial role in the deal. Building on half a decade of NGN (Next Generation Networks) deployments, the SVI-SBC was rapidly deployed to support LTE Pre-Conditions enabling optimal bandwidth allocation and rollout of VoLTE handsets. Squire Technologies also deployed its mature set of media and messaging gateways to insure a seamless interconnection between the VoLTE network and legacy 2G/3G/PSTN.
“From day one we needed a technology partner that could not only offer us a diverse range of core network signalling products but also a set of signalling experts that could rapidly develop and evolve their products to solve the network issues we knew we would face in such a leading edge rollout,” said Tom Allen, COO, Smile.
Meanwhile, high volume transcoding and support for mutli-device, single number services allowed Smile to offer offnet voice and messaging using the mobile app Zoiper.
“This has been an exciting project to be involved in from the start with a unique set of challenges. It has combined solving today's leading edge VoLTE signalling challenges with flexible products and signalling expertise whilst also insuring seamless interconnection with legacy 2G/3G/PSTN,” said Simon Dinnage, Business Development Director, Squire Technologies.
