Introducing Optus 3G HD Voice

[Andy]

Optus has rolled out a new network feature across all states called 3G High Definition (HD) Voice!

HD Voice enables high-quality voice calls on the Optus 3G mobile network, creating an improved voice call experience. You’ll notice a sharper, clearer call, with less background noise. The call quality is comparable to a conversation if both parties are in the same room.

For HD Voice to work, both the caller and receiver will need a compatible 3G or 4G handset. There’s no handset activation required, no additional costs and currently applies to Optus-to-Optus mobile calls only.

Some of the more popular compatible handsets include:

Note: All new 3G and 4G devices support HD Voice.

Apple iPhone 5	LG Optimus L7	Samsung Galaxy S Duos
Apple iPhone 5C	Nokia 300	Samsung Galaxy S2
Apple iPhone 5S	Nokia 3000	Samsung Galaxy S3
Apple iPhone 6	Nokia 301	Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE
Apple iPhone 6 Plus	Nokia C2-01	Samsung Galaxy S4
HTC Incredible S	Nokia C2-01.5	Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE
HTC One	Nokia E63	Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini LTE
HTC One M8	Nokia Lumia 520	Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini TDD
HTC One X	Nokia Lumia 625	Samsung Galaxy S4 TDD
HTC One SV	Nokia Lumia 820	Samsung Galaxy S5
HTC One M9	Samsung Galaxy Ace	Samsung Galaxy S6
HTC Desire X	Samsung Galaxy Ace 2	Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
Huawei Ascend G510	Samsung Galaxy Ace 3	Samsung Galaxy Y Duos
LG G2	Samsung Galaxy Express	Samsung Note 3 TDD
LG G3	Samsung Galaxy Mini	Sony Xperia E1
LG L70	Samsung Galaxy Note 2	Sony Xperia E1 D2005
LG Nexus 4	Samsung Galaxy Note 2 LTE	Sony Xperia Z
LG Nexus 5	Samsung Galaxy Note 2 LTE 7105T	Sony Xperia Z1
LG Optimus F5	Samsung Galaxy Note 3 LTE	Sony Xperia Z2
LG Optimus L5	Samsung Galaxy Note 4	Sony Xperia Z3
LG Optimus L7 2	Samsung Galaxy S

See Also:
How To Check Coverage In Your Area
We've Updated Our Mobile Coverage and Network Status Page

[MiCCAS]

I knew there was somethind different with my calls - this is fantastic!

[craig-b]

Galaxy S6, but no S6 Edge?

[Nibbles]

I thought I noticed a difference!  Thanks Optus!!

[Marie]

Hey craig-b,

All new 3G & 4G handset's released in the last two years should be connecting using HD when calling Optus to Optus  as long as you both have an eligible phone.

If you test it out, please let us know how you go. We'd love to hear your feedback 🙂

Glad to hear both Nibbles & MiCCAS are loving using HD calling, it really is fantastic!

[jordothebomb]

Would you guys know if this is on every tower or just selected towers?

[Bubba]

I believe it's launched Australia wide now, so as long as both parties are with Optus, and have a compatible handset, the call will be HD

[Clancy10]

I take it that this isn't an exhaustive phone list.  I will call my wife's phone later today and you can add two BlackBerry devices to the list.

[Andy]

Hey @Clancy10, this isn't an exhaustive list but just a guide 🙂 Let us know how you go!

[Yeldarb]

So here I was scratching my head last week wondering why wondering why my Optus to Optus phone calls sounded so good. Given I am in the outback I never thought my Telstra phone would come off second best. 

[Shae]

Thanks for the feedback Yeldarb, we LOVE hearing stuff like this 🙂

[jordothebomb]

Yeah Telstra by far does still have a better 3G network out back. But I think I'll stick with my favourite Telco, and avoid being ripped off by the top dog.

[Marie]

Aww jordonthebomb we think you're pretty awesome too! 

[danz207]

I got a One M8 from Optus, if I wanted to play around with ROM's, would HD voice still work? I guess what I asking is it proprietary software on phones or is it all done on the carrier side?

[Shae]

Good question danz207, let's start by saying this kind of stuff isn't supported by Optus and we'll be unable to provide tech support if you were to make alterations to the phone or it's software. It may even void the warranty.

That being said, I had a chat with our mobile networks guys and they've said that because we don't have any control over the software version you will be running, we can't give a definitive answer on weather it will work or not. It should come down to an interaction between your hardware and the network, but we can't give you much more than that sorry. Hope this helps, keep us posted on how you go

[danz207]

Thanks for checking it out @Shae, I tried and it seems to be working regardless. Makes sense since some phones are listed above (specifically the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5) are supported but not sold by Optus, so must be hardware.