In-depth discussion: WiFi voice, VoLTE and next-generation mobile voice services

Over the past decade, wireless operators have focused on enhancing and upgrading networks to cope with the increasing data traffic. But in terms of voice services, there is little innovation.

However, this phenomenon is undergoing a rapid transformation. In the United States, TIer-1 mobile operators including T-Mobile US, Verizon Wireless and AT & T Mobile have launched VoLTE services, and the development of VoLTE services has become increasingly prominent, and more and more VoLTE mobile terminals are available to consumers . In addition, the momentum of WiFi voice is getting stronger.

In the long report of FierceWireless called "WiFi Voice, VoLTE and the Next Generation Mobile Voice Service" (written by multiple authors, so various views are different), we will discuss in detail the latest WiFi calls, VoLTE and more More other content.

The era of Wi-Fi voice calls begins

Wi-Fi voice service may not be a strong competitor to replace traditional cellular voice service, but its momentum is getting stronger.

Companies that have recently joined the ranks of Wi-Fi voice services include cable operator Cablevision, which is providing a dedicated Wi-Fi voice call service called "Freewheel". Cablevision ’s OptiMum Online customers can enjoy the service for only $ 9.95 per month For non-Cablevision customers, $ 29.95 / month is required. Initially, this service was only available on Motorola Moto G.

In addition to Cablevision ’s bold moves, many experts said that even with the increasing number of Wi-Fi hotspots installed in homes and public places, Wi-Fi voice will never replace traditional mobile voice services. But this technology is regarded as a good way to make up for the indoor voice of the insufficient coverage of the cellular network, and it is also a way for operators to distribute to unlicensed spectrum, so that it can manage the network and spectrum more effectively assets.

"One of my predictions for 2015 is that Wi-Fi voice service will become a mainstream thing, and all mobile operators will start or start to promote this service." John Finegold, Vice President of Marketing at Scratch Wireless, of course, The company has also launched a business around Wi-Fi voice.

T-Mobile embraces WiFi calls

In fact, T-Mobile America has used WiFi voice calls as one of its business differences. In September last year, the company announced that it will upgrade users to new WiFi-enabled smartphones (if they do n’t already have them). In addition, the operator also provides a free dedicated "Cellspot" WiFi router (deposit of $ 25) for post-paid users to improve network coverage at home.

Cellspot WiFi router provided by T-Mobile USA to users

T-Mobile started to vigorously promote WiFi voice calls before commercial VoLTE, and then the operator made full use of its existing WiFi IMS platform to provide VoLTE.

"T-Mobile is one of these network operators that does not have a lot of spectrum resources, so they have a long history of insufficient network coverage," said Ian Maclean, global head of strategy and marketing at Mavenir. "They allow users' devices to access their core network via WiFi, which is an innovation and does solve some of their problems."

Peter Hovenir, CFO of Boingo, which is currently experimenting with T-Mobile, said the operator is "shaking the market ... making other operators think more about the importance and strategic importance of WiFi."

This of course also attracted the attention of other operators. Sprint has launched a WiFi voice call service on Android smartphones, and Verizon and AT & T have also announced that they will support WiFi voice calls to some extent in 2015.

"WiFi voice calls are coming. This is not something we oppose, it is just a service we have not yet provided." Verizon spokesman Debi Lewis said.

Cable operators join the competition

Cablevision is not the only cable operator to join the WiFi voice call market. Comcast's CFO Michael Angelakis said at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference last December that the cable operator is "spending time to clearly evaluate the WiFi first strategy," but "no news has been announced yet." . "Can WiFi really carry voice? Can it roam?" He asked.

Angelakis said that since Comcast has signed MVNO agreements with Verizon and Sprint, the company can answer these questions. "This is a project that we are spending some time on, but I don't think there is much to report ... but you have to admit that from a technical point of view, this trend is good for us."

Finecrold of Scratch Wireless said that the technical perspective is the reason why Scratch Wireless is so excited. "Large cable operators (MSOs) are very curious. From our experience, they have all expressed interest in exploring WiFi First." He said.

However, some cable operators are cautious about 4G LTE attracting users from their data networks, and more painfully, they have also seized their video users.

"More and more video is being consumed on mobile devices, tablets and smartphones, and mobile operators are beginning to conduct content transactions to bring content to mobile phones. Mobile operators are invading the field of cable operators, and Start to affect its core business. "Finegold said.

Although the WiFi First strategy can enable cable operators to step into the mobile voice market, there is still a big disadvantage: WiFi will never be mobile (service). Even Scratch Wireless, which has established its own WiFi voice calling brand, has had to include mobile services as part of its service plan.

Finegold said: "Our model is that when a user makes a voice call on a WiFi network, it is free, but when the user switches to a mobile network, they need to pay. 91% of our voice calls are done through WiFi." Of course, the remaining 9% is connected to the mobile network when users need ubiquitous coverage.

Maclean said that for another reason, WiFi voice calls will retreat to the second line when they encounter VoLTE. Service providers have invested billions of dollars in spectrum and network upgrades to VoLTE, and they are unlikely to adopt another technology-at least not to the point where operators believe it should be better than traditional network development.

However, Maclean said that no mobile operator will ignore the benefits of using its IP network to provide both VoLTE and WiFi voice services.

"Mobility is a bit of a headache. Operators are trying to provide ubiquitous connectivity for various devices, but their mobile networks rely on spectrum, and this resource is limited. By using WiFi and making it To achieve seamless and provide seamless mobility, then mobile devices can connect to the network through WiFi or LTE, and switch between the two at will. "He concluded.

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