The global mobile body has given the nod to the initiative to develop a single IMS-based LTE solution, ending speculation over the industry standard.
Signification
The GSMA says that by adopting the work of the initiative it can advantage the creation of a global, next generation wireless ecosystem in long-term evolution (LTE). The GSM Association (GSMA) has announced it has adopted the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) initiative to develop a single standard for mobile voice and SMS services over 4G. The VoLTE industry body, previously part of the One Voice Initiative, has indicated its support for a single IMS-based voice solution, and it is hoped this will become the industry standard for LTE 4G network roll-out.
The VoLTE initiative, spearheaded by Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) with the support of over 40 major players including AT& T, Orange, Telefonica, TeliaSonera, Verizon, Vodafone, Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson, recently reached an agreement on the operation of services over LTE networks. IT developed the technical profile defining an optimal set of existing 3GPP (the 3G specification group) specified functionalities that vendors, operators and handset manufacturers can use to offer compatible L TE voice solutions. It is also hoped the VoLTE solution will facilitate convergence of fixed and mobile networks and services, as IMS architecture is also used in fixed-line broadband networks.
VoLTE has stated that the IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) solution will offer the interoperable and seamless that experience that 2G and 3G wireless technologies offer today, supporting all voice call service features such as call waiting, call hold, and call barring as well as offering high levels of scalability to serve very large subscriber bases.
Outlook
A Global Standard for Voice over LTE: LTE is rapidly emerging as the industry choice for 4G next-generation network (NGN) services, and as the industry moves towards recovery competition among the telecom equipment vendors for network contracts is reaching fewer pitch.
The GSMA Stamp of Approval: GSMA has stated it recognises the importance of a single, industry-wide solution for Voice over LTE, and it hopes that by adopting the work of the initiative, it can advance the creation of a global, next generation wireless ecosystem and end "the speculation and rumours about Voice over LTE". The body added it was essential that LTE network roll-outs were aligned around one, common standard, and it belied VoLTE's work could generate economies of scale similar to those provided through the adoption of GSM-based networks and devices.
