The GSMA’s Network 2020 programme is helping mobile network operators deliver global interconnected all-IP communications services, such as VoLTE, ViLTE, VoWiFi and RCS, to consumers. We recently started working closely with China’s mobile operators, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, as well as with key mobile ecosystem partners including Ericsson, Huawei, LG, Qualcomm, Samsung and ZTE on a project that aims to facilitate Voice over LTE (VoLTE) device interoperability. China currently has 1.3 billion mobile connections and is the world’s largest smartphone market with 629 million devices, according to GSMA Intelligence.

Although operators have launched 40 VoLTE services in 27 countries around the world to date, a minority of these launched networks are interoperable. Factors impacting interoperability include regional differences and differing operator commercial implementations, which have led to fragmentation in VoLTE interoperability. To address this, we worked closely with operators and vendors, as well as the broader mobile ecosystem to reach regional and international agreement on a common specification that will eliminate these issues. In particular, the project looked at two technical areas known as the common User Network Interface (UNI), which is related to devices, as well as the Network-to-Network Interface (NNI), which provides end-to-end VoLTE service interoperability between operators. We are working to ensure that any new VoLTE launches adhere to both the updated UNI and NNI specifications to ensure interoperability. A common approach will reduce fragmentation, streamline new VoLTE deployments and broaden the availability of compatible devices.

4G LTE deployments are already accelerating around the world with 451 live commercial 4G networks in 151 countries to date. The native integration of IP communications in smartphones is also growing quickly and enabling more people to access rich communications features such as voice, video and messaging on their handsets. There are currently 75 unique VoLTE handset models.

Following successful progress on this project we are pleased to announce that China will be the first market in the world to have the regional profile and commercial implementation using the latest versions of the specifications.

Demonstration at Mobile World Congress 2016

The demo showing both the device to network (UNI) and Interconnection (NNI) interoperability will be on display at the GSMA’s stand in Hall 3 3A13. This will consist of an IMS infrastructure from Huawei and Nokia that are interconnected to simulate two different operators. The demo will also feature devices from LG, Microsoft and Qualcomm to showcase device interoperability. To find out more about the GSMA’s Network 2020 programme, go to www.gsma.com/network2020.