HD Voice announced by AT&T for select markets; service will launch on May 23rd

May 23rd is a big day for some AT&T subscribers. A week from Friday, the carrier will flick the switch, turning on its HD Voice service. The enhanced audio feature will work over AT&T's VoLTE network. And those using the service will be able to surf the web and be engaged in a phone conversation at the same time.

The initial markets that AT&T will blanket with this service include select markets in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The nation's second largest mobile operator will expand VoLTE and HD Voice on a "market-by-market basis"

The first device that will support HD Voice is the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini. HD Voice will be supported on other phones throughout the year. For AT&T customers to enjoy the benefits of HD Voice, both parties on a call must be using a phone that supports the feature, in a market where coverage is available. While there is no charge for HD Voice, customers must have their accounts enabled for the feature.

source: AT&T

14 Comments

Options

Close Follow ›

posted on 15 May 2014, 09:23 2

1. brnkcv (Posts: 6; Member since: 06 May 2014)

Very poorly planned roll out IMO. What are the chances that 1) you have a GS4 mini, 2) your friend has a GS4 mini, 3) your friend is also in a market that supports HD voice, 4) you have called ATT to enable the feature; and 5) your friend has called ATT to enable the feature?

posted on 15 May 2014, 09:28 2

2. nothingmuch (Posts: 199; Member since: 03 May 2013)

Weird, im conversating now while viewing this article without volte, ....wait a tic.... At&t always been able to do this! Hmmmm

posted on 15 May 2014, 10:01 1

4. SellPhones82 (Posts: 569; Member since: 11 Dec 2008)

Right, that's because it's using LTE for data only on your current set up and your calls are made over their GSM/GPRS, which they been able to do simultaneously for years. With HD Voice both voice and data are over their LTE network.

posted on 15 May 2014, 10:10

5. CX3NT3_713 (Posts: 2285; Member since: 18 Apr 2011)

Same here..

posted on 15 May 2014, 10:00

3. 0xFFFF (Posts: 3806; Member since: 16 Apr 2014)

"While there is no charge for HD Voice, customers must have their accounts enabled for the feature."

I wonder if this is another way ATT will try and screw customers out of their old unlimited data plans.

posted on 15 May 2014, 11:25

7. ATT_bro (Posts: 3; Member since: 15 May 2014)

AT&T rep here.

We don't remove unlimited data when you upgrade, or force you to switch like some other carriers have in the past.

I am confused by your accusation.

posted on 15 May 2014, 22:39

11. 0xFFFF (Posts: 3806; Member since: 16 Apr 2014)

ATT has limited many features such as tethering and FaceTime to non-unlimited data plans, forcing customers to switch to a metered plan if they want those features.

Are you saying that with HD Voice, it will be available to customers with ALL plans, including those that include unlimited data?

posted on 16 May 2014, 08:50

12. ATT_bro (Posts: 3; Member since: 15 May 2014)

That is not the definition of forcing. We do offer perks in other areas but you're never going to be forced to give up any unlimited plan, I promise.

posted on 15 May 2014, 17:50

8. bigdawg23 (Posts: 462; Member since: 25 May 2011)

ATT doesn't force people off Unlimited like VZW. I personally jumped to Family Share. If you need unlimited you clearly have an issue. I stream 2-4 hours a day download new songs and send alot of emails with large attachment. Magically I have no issues nearing my 10GB limit. I travel 2-3 weeks a month.

posted on 15 May 2014, 19:23

9. kaintae (Posts: 80; Member since: 14 Dec 2011)

I'm on Verizon. Hey haven't forced me off anything.

posted on 15 May 2014, 20:41

10. bigdawg23 (Posts: 462; Member since: 25 May 2011)

Then you haven't upgraded your phone since May 2012". As long as you keep the same phone no change. Now there was a small loophole closed almost 18 months ago. I know a lot of people that got pushed off unlimited,

posted on 17 May 2014, 01:31

14. kaintae (Posts: 80; Member since: 14 Dec 2011)

I upgraded to my s4 in june

posted on 15 May 2014, 10:42

6. Omarc07 (Posts: 481; Member since: 12 Nov 2012)

I hope they bring it to LA soon my only concern is in places were att lte gets bad is it gonna affect call quality or is it gonna drop down to 3G? Because in places like san Fernando valley,Victorville, glendale att lte is spotty and real slow less than 1 mbp half the time I have to be using hspa in those places since its better in places like those hd calls is prolly gonna be real bad.

posted on 16 May 2014, 08:53

13. ATT_bro (Posts: 3; Member since: 15 May 2014)

Call quality will be consistent as long as you stay on a LTE tower. They're always building more in that area, too, so you should have a solution soon.