Smile Communications Nigeria has rolled out its 4G LTE call service via its SmileVoice app, with what the company describes as 'the lowest call tariffs in the country' at less than 2 US cents per minute.

According to Smile all networks can be called at the same rate, including international calls.

Newly appointed Managing Director of Smile Nigeria, Godfrey Efeurhobo, described SmileVoice as a free mobile app that gives customers access to clear voice calls over 4G LTE network, without the need for a VoLTE handset.

"I'm proud to announce the lowest call rate in Nigeria, using the very latest 4G LTE technology. It is true. You can make calls at 8kobo per second to any network in Nigeria. You can also make and receive calls at the same rate from any country in the world," Efeurhobo said.

The app functions in the same way as SIM card in a mobile phone, he added. "Having the SmileVoice app on your mobile is like having a second SIM card in your phone. Our customers can use their data plan to make SuperClear voice, video calls and send SMSs to any number locally and internationally. There is no need for the recipient to also have SmileVoice."

To access the service, the company's Group Head Corporate Communications and Marketing (South Africa), Nicolene Vanzyl said a customer can use a VoLTE handset with their Smile SIM card or download the free SmileVoice App to their mobile phones.

She described the introduction of the service as a milestone for Nigeria's telecom industry.