This low data rate vocoder is said to out perform the G.729 and G.726A vocoders. Operating at half the data rate of G.729, the AMBE+ Vocoder reportedly can provide high-quality speech and performance even with bit error and background noise conditions. Operating at 4.8 and 4 kbps, the new vocoder achieves Mean Opinion Scores of 3.849 and 3.646, respectively, while G.729 and G.726A scored 3.63 and 3.589, respectively. The performance characteristics make this vocoder well-suited for satellite communications, computer telephony, specialized mobile radio and other voice and storage applications.