“Telstra has been a leader in the use of 4G small cell technology to give more regional and rural customers a mobile data connection,” Telstra Group Managing Director, Networks, Mike Wright said.

“Now Telstra is the first carrier in Australia to provide 4G voice services on small cell technology.

“Already this financial year 50 small cell sites with 4G call capability have become operational across rural Australia with a further 10 expected to be activated before the end of June.”

Mr Wright said rolling out 4G voice services on small cells was part of Telstra’s commitment to expanding its 4G coverage in regional Australia.

“This technology highlights the ongoing investments we are making in our mobile network for our rural customers,” he said.

“We know how important mobile voice calling is for local communities and businesses and we are proud to be the first carrier in Australia to provide voice calling via 4G only small cells.”

A small cell is a miniature version of a standard base station and is traditionally used to boost coverage and capacity in densely populated urban areas.

“In 2014, Telstra reworked the technology to launch small cells for 4G data/ internet services in small regional and rural communities where a full sized base station would not be feasible,” Mr Wright said.

“At launch, small cells were unable to support 4G voice call capabilities, however recent technology developments have made 4G voice calls in small cell coverage areas a reality.

“In fact the underlying technology that enables 4G voice calling on these cells can be further extended by customers using Voice over WiFi that supports seamless voice handover between outdoor 4G l coverage and an indoor WiFi connection where 4G coverage may not reach.”

As part of its support of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spots program, Telstra said it has committed to funding up to 250 small cells during the overall program.

“Telstra is fully funding the small cells roll-out,” Mr Wright said.

“This is in addition to the 577 mobile base stations Telstra is building under Rounds 1 and 2 of the program.

“Customers are reminded that to utilise the services they must have a VoLTE enabled device. As of mid-2016, all new 4G smartphones launched to Telstra consumer mobile customers have been VoLTE ready.

“It is expected this will be a core feature for all upcoming post-paid models with new pre-paid models being progressively supported over time.”

Areas that now have VoLTE Small Cells as part of Telstra’s additional support of the Federal Government Mobile Blackspot Program, NSW: Bookham, Wantabadgery, Wyndham, Bulga, Gunderman, Booral, Bunyah, Karuah, Watsons Creek, Wollomombi, Taylors Arm, Liston, Bukkullla, Deepwater, Jiggi, Bexhill, Main Arm.