Verizon Wireless and AT&T yesterday announced that they are establishing VoLTE interoperability between their LTE networks. Both companies have earlier this year rolled out their VoLTE HD Voice service - Verizon introduced the Advanced Calling 1.0 while AT&T introduced its service in collaboration with Samsung. The VoLTE connection between both networks is expected to be available in 2015.
By establishing the interoperability between their networks, Verizon and AT&T customers can use their VoLTE compatible devices to call and message each other. By making calls on the VoLTE, customers will be using their data connection, just like how it is when they use Whatsapp, Skype, WeChat or any other OTT application to connect to each other. With Operators rolling out their VoLTE services and establishing interoperability between their networks, the market can expect to see head-to-head competition between the popular OTT apps and these newer VoLTE services, especially as operators start adding more features on the service. Marketsandmarkets in its recent report forecast the HD Voice Market to grow from USD815.5 million this year to USD2.2 billion in 2019 (CAGR of 23%), driven primarily by the need for high quality voice communications services over the internet, including over the mobile internet and the increasing demand for mobile working solutions including virtual conferences, webinars and online meetings.
At the same time, on the device front, newer smartphones are already featuring the VoLTE calling capabilities, which takes the user experience a notch higher compared to using comparable OTT services as customers are able to use native dialing on their devices to connect on VoLTE. By enhancing the VoLTE service, customers are expected to experience the same or better call quality compared to the traditional voice. According to a study by Signals Research Group (SRG), VoLTE service provides better voice quality than the 3G Circuit Switched (CS) voice and Skype apart from connecting faster and consuming less network resources and device battery power.
According to Verizon, it will continue making Advanced Calling-capable smartphones available to its customers to encourage the take-up on the VoLTE services. Similar initiative is also being taken at AT&T, according to the company. AT&T's VoLTE service was made available initially with Samsung Galaxy S4 mini in select areas in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin and has since been expanded to other parts of the country.
In a joint statement, both companies said that the VoLTE HD Voice calls between both networks is expected to spur the development of the VoLTE services across US and in other parts of the world as more service providers come together to connect their VoLTE services. Without collaboration between service providers, customers using VoLTE services will have their calls handed over to the other network's 3G/2G circuit-switched voice or in worst case scenario, dropped completely. World over, more than 75 countries and 166 mobile operators have rolled out their VoLTE services.(read more on VoLTE deployments at Bouygues Telecom, Polkomtel, Softbank Mobile and full list of VoLTE initiatives ).The growth in the VoLTE services will eventually push for the adoption of Rich Communications Services (RCS) such as video calls and rich messaging, added both companies. Both companies also said that they worked closely with the GSMA on the initiative, in particular with the GSMA's Network 2020 program that is designed to accelerate the adoption of native IP Communication Services.
Tony Melone, chief technology officer at Verizon
Customers use their smartphones to connect with friends, family and colleagues across service providers and around the world. Interoperability among all VoLTE providers takes connectivity to the next level with HD quality voice and additional features that customers want. We’re pleased to be working with AT&T as our first interoperating carrier, and we look forward to working with other operators as VoLTE continues to grow.
Krish Prabhu, president, AT&T Labs and Chief Technology Officer, AT&T
Interoperability of VoLTE between wireless carriers is crucial to a positive customer experience. Customers expect to be able to connect anywhere, anytime– and as LTE technology continues to evolve, it’s imperative that we provide a seamless experience between carriers. We are pleased to work with Verizon on this initiative. We continue to work with others in the industry on similar collaborative arrangements and hope to see similar collaboration across the industry in the near future.
Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA
Customers benefit even more when services are interconnected and this will extend the reach of rich and reliable all-IP communications to a customer’s contacts on another network. Embracing an all-IP future is vital for operators worldwide and the GSMA is delighted that AT&T and Verizon Wireless are bringing these services to their customers.
