IP based interconnection between mobile operators offers many benefits to both Operators and customers. It provides Operators with scalability and increased reachability of IP-based communications services and provides customers with interoperable VoLTE (Voice over LTE) with HD voice quality plus interoperable Rich Communication Services (RCS). US operators AT&T and Verizon Wireless announced their intention to interconnect their LTE networks earlier in November. They plan to make VoLTE HD Voice available to their customer bases in 2015 with a view to introducing other services beyond VoLTE, such as conversational video and rich messaging. This is an important advance by both operators, and should be recognised in other markets as a positive move for the industry.
The GSMA’s Network 2020 Programme works closely with operators around the world. We are helping to accelerate the adoption of All-IP communication services for voice and conversational video (VoLTE) and messaging (RCS). We are also working hard to ensure that devices and networks deliver a native, seamless global service. Ultimately, our aim is for all operators to deliver the ‘Green Button Promise’ by which we mean ubiquitous, reliable and rich IP communication services that just work, regardless of device or network.
“The decision by AT&T and Verizon Wireless to interconnect their networks is an important step in delivering all-IP communications to their customers, enabling them to reach contacts seamlessly across networks and it should be recognised by other markets as a positive move for the industry,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA. “The GSMA’s Network 2020 program is designed to encourage mobile operators globally to accelerate the adoption of native IP communication services such as voice and video calling over LTE, enriching these calls with additional services via RCS. Ultimately, our aim is the ‘Green Button Promise’ – ubiquitous, reliable and rich IP communication services that just work regardless of device or network.”
There have already been 65 LTE operator network launches so far this year, taking the total to 331 deployments in 112 countries, a figure that is expected to surpass 350 by the end of the year. Additionally, an anticipated 75 combined VoLTE and RCS launches are also expected by early 2015
We have a number of tools and resources that can help operators prepare for an interconnected, All-IP world. To find out more, contact us.