HD Voice genuinely innovative, says Orange

Orange has launched a high-definition sound quality tool and said it genuinely demonstrates a level of innovation not yet experienced by UK consumers.

HD Voice, which is scheduled for nationwide roll-out in the latter part of 2010, will be trialled at the beginning of the year.

It aims to provide a market-leading "crystal clear" audio experience for customers who own HD Voice-enabled handsets, making it sound like callers are in the same room.

"Once people have tried it, they won’t want to go back," said Tom Alexander, Orange UK’s chief executive officer.

He added that the network was "proud to be leading the industry into the next decade by announcing a new standard in voice innovation".

HD Voice works using a different speech codec, which provides a wider speech bandwidth than the one used currently.

This enables much better sound quality, yet does not compromise network resources, the company explained, going on to add that the development should help build on its status as the nation’s leading 3G operator.

News of HD Voice comes a couple of weeks after Orange launched a service intended to help consumers de-stress.

The Relaxation Line, which plays sound effects such as a crackling log fire, birdsong, an English village green and Brighton beach waves, can be reached on 0207 050 6888. Customers of the network need only dial 347 free of charge from their handset.

Lara Molins Caplin, network spokesperson, said: "This time of year is particularly chaotic, so what better than dialling a free service that provides on-demand the calming sounds of an ocean? Relief from stress and strain is now just a phone call away."