Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is being rapidly deployed in many parts of the world and is on its way to becoming mainstream in many operator networks. Video over LTE (ViLTE) is a complementary conversational video service specified by GSMA and is also being adopted worldwide, albeit at a slower pace. The expectation is that in a few years, both VoLTE and ViLTE will form the backbone of IP-based telecommunications just as voice was an integral part of 2G and 3G networks.
VoLTE enables High Definition (HD) call quality, helping operators compete against over-the-top (OTT) VoIP providers. In addition, VoLTE typically offers lower delay and higher capacity compared to OTT VoIP services, which utilize best-effort bearers that in turn adversely affect service quality.
VoLTE implementation can take different paths based on factors such as each operator’s spectrum availability, voice strategies, technology architecture, business objectives and market conditions. As operators determine their VoLTE deployment strategy, they may choose an evolutionary approach that starts with Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB) and, when IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is deployed, introduce SR-VCC once VoLTE is launched prior to ubiquitous LTE coverage. Other operators may choose to achieve ubiquitous LTE coverage prior to launching VoLTE service.
Similar to VoLTE, Rich Communications Services (RCS) Messaging takes advantage of IMS control capabilities, encompassing a rich multimedia service portfolio, including multimedia messaging, chat, file transfer, privacy, buddy lists and presence.
This white paper discusses the key aspects of VoLTE/RCS coexistence and evolution.
This paper was first published on 4G Americas website