High demand for mobile data and broadband services is presenting a big challenge (and opportunity) for operators. Voice conversations still represent a major revenue source, which can be enhanced with Voice over LTE (News - Alert) (VoLTE), a technology that enables the reliable transmission of voice and SMS alongside LTE broadband data.
Viewed as the critical next step for delivering a high quality voice experience, VoLTE enables the use of HD voice and allows mobile network operators to operate on the basis of an all-IP infrastructure. Analysts estimate that VoLTE services combined with OTT VoIP are set to become a $16 billion business by 2017.
Tata Communications (News - Alert) is joining this race by preparing its network to support Voice over LTE calling (VoLTE) for its growing global community of IPX-connected service providers. Tata Communications VoLTE will allow mobile network operators to offer HD voice over their 4G LTE networks. Customers thus look to benefit from near-instant call setup, better sound quality and the ability to have HD voice conversations with more users outside the mobile-only community.
“Our VoLTE offering enables mobile operators to generate additional revenue through increased usage, especially in high-margin roaming scenarios and international calling. Adding VoLTE to the portfolio also provides mobile operators with a potential competitive advantage over OTT providers, who may not be able to match the quality of experience. This is especially true as video calling over LTE will be the natural evolution of VoLTE,” Christian Michaud, senior vice president of product and business strategy, Global Voice Services, Tata Communications, said in a statement.
New capabilities include HD voice support, interoperability between fixed and mobile networks, and SIP IMS support. Also, the company confirmed that HD calls are no longer limited to VoLTE-to-VoLTE handsets, but to any HD-enabled user, including fixed.
Tata Communications has also deployed new capabilities to detect whether or not a call is HD, in order to route it in such a way that the core benefits and features of HD are projected outside of the mobile operator’s network.
Edited by Blaise McNamee