Orange announces HD voice

I can hear clearly now the crackle has gone

Orange has launched its HD Voice service in the UK, which promises crackle-free calls, but only if you and your chums are both on the company's network and have a compatible handset.

The service is available at no additional charge from today but you'll need a Nokia E5, X6 or 5230 or a Samsung Omnia Pro to take advantage of it. More handsets carrying the HD Voice logo will be added to the list in coming months.

Orange is promising "crystal clear calls" over a 3G network, and is hoping to license the technology to other operators in the future.

Orange reckons the new service will be taken up by the broadcasting industry with clearer voice calls reducing the reliance on expensive studio-based interviews.