Hi, Howard.
Today, we are exploring a feature
that plays a big role making mobile communication more inclusive:
HD Voice.
(HOWARD) We'll look at what HD Voice is
and how it improves the phone experience,
especially for people with hearing loss,
and what it took to make it available across networks and devices.
(ALEJANDRO) Let's start with the basics.
HD Voice, or High Definition Voice,
is a technology that enhances the audio quality of phone calls.
It's also called Wideband Audio, or 4G Voice.
(HOWARD) Right.
It works by capturing a wider range of sound frequencies,
essentially bringing phone audio closer
to how we naturally hear in person.
Compared to the old narrowband system,
it's noticeably clearer.
(ALEJANDRO) Yes.
Traditional calls often cut out higher frequencies
that are very important for understanding human speech.
That can be a problem for people with hearing loss,
including those who have hearing aids or who have cochlear implants.
(HOWARD) Exactly.
HD Voice helps by transmitting those missing high frequency sounds,
things like "s", "f", "t",
and is essential for distinguishing words.
The technology also cuts down background noise.
These features contribute to making voices sound more natural.
(ALEJANDRO) And that makes a real difference.
It improves comprehension and reduces the mental effort
needed to decode audio.
(HOWARD) And it means more people can use regular mobile phones
for everyday communications,
without the need for a specialized setup.
That's a huge step for inclusion.
(HOWARD) But getting HD Voice
widely available wasn't easy, was it?
(HOWARD) Not at all.
To make it work reliably,
it had to be standardized through 3GPP,
the global standards body for mobile communications.
It defined everything, from which codec to use
to how networks and devices handle HD Voice.
(ALEJANDRO) So every part of the communication, devices,
network, software... need to support that feature, right?
(HOWARD) If any part of the call path doesn't support HD Voice,
then the call would drop down to the old narrowband system
with lower voice quality.
Nowadays, most terminals and networks support it.
And also, it's available across carriers.
But it was a long road.
(ALEJANDRO) And accessibility standards are aligned
with all these improvements that 3GPP has brought.
For example, providing wideband audio is a requirement now
included in the ICT Accessibility Standard,
the 301 549.
(HOWARD) And what about hearing aids?
Are they compatible with this feature?
(ALEJANDRO) Now, higher quality hearing aids are designed
to support the 7 kilohertz upper limit
of HD Voice.
And also, Standard on Accessibility 301 549
now includes requirements for compatibility with hearing aids.
(HOWARD) What's powerful about HD Voice
is it's a technology improvement with real human impact.
It helps people connect, understand, and to be understood.
(ALEJANDRO) When mobile standards include the needs of all users,
including people with disabilities, everyone benefits.