Recently, GlobalData, a well-known consulting organization in the industry, and Huawei jointly released the "5G Voice Transition White Paper" (The 5G Voice Transition: Managing the Complexity). This white paper expounds the current situation and challenges of the coexistence of multi-generational voice networks, and proposes that a converged network supporting multi-generational voice technologies is the solution to the smooth evolution of voice, and points out that value services based on IMS data channels are the new development direction of voice.
Voice service is still one of the most important services for operators
GlobalData investigated the challenges and countermeasures faced by 50 global mobile operators in voice services. Andy Hicks, the main author of the white paper and the chief analyst of GlobalData, said that in today's increasingly active Internet audio and video communications, operators' voice services are still trusted by mobile consumers around the world due to their unique advantages of high reliability and stability. The results of the white paper survey show that as many as 82% of the operators interviewed believe that under the 5G network, voice and SMS services are as important or almost as important as data services. The survey shows that due to the impact of the new crown epidemic, the voice traffic of most operators has stabilized, and a small number of operators have even experienced growth.
Converged voice solutions are the best choice for multi-generational networks
With the increasing fragmentation of cellular networks, operators need to provide voice services on multiple networks ranging from 2G to 5G. This situation has brought about increased operator expenditure, VoLTE roaming, and smooth network evolution. According to the white paper survey, 32% of operators said they would not continue to invest after the 2G/3G network enters the end of its life cycle, but in 2020, this proportion will only account for 17%. This change indicates that operators need to find other ways to maintain 2G/3G network services. Some operators are considering using converged voice solutions to improve network capabilities and reduce operating costs. In addition, the converged voice solution can greatly simplify VoLTE roaming issues, accelerate the development of VoLTE, maximize spectrum value, and promote the large-scale commercial use of 5G.
The Voice Industry Welcomes Opportunities for Business Innovation
In the process of 5G development, in addition to traditional voice services, the industry needs more innovative value services to help operators increase revenue. The white paper pointed out that 3GPP R16 introduced the IMS data channel (Data Channel). By introducing a data stream synchronized with the voice channel, users can use voice and data services in the same session to achieve interactive calls, that is, 5G new call services. This technology opens up a new development direction for voice services. Operators can use IMS data channels to enable more new services, further improve user experience, and promote voice service innovation in 5G.
