VoLTE, Voice over LTE or Voice over Long Term Evolution, is a standards-based technology that is required to support voice calls over an LTE network. In order to offer voice services to LTE users, there are three methods, including circuit switched fallback (CSFB), dual standby, and VoLTE.
The CSFB method will require operators to switch voice calls to slower 2G/3G networks, whereas dual standby solution will require terminals to support 2G/3G and 4G services at the same time. By transmitting voice as IP data via LTE network, VoLTE can function without 2G/3G network and offer higher voice quality and lower latency with less energy consumption. VoLTE is the ultimate choice for delivering voice over LTE.
Who are involved in VoLTE?
However, as VoLTE is still in its infancy, it remains a challenge for operators to implement this technology. Telecom operators need to work closely with device manufactures and chipset vendors to offer the best quality VoLTE service.
Recently, ZTE, a telecom equipment, network solutions, and mobile devices provider completed the world’s first end-to-end voice over TD-LTE call (VoTD-LTE). The call was done in partnership with China Mobile Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:CHL) and Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:MRVL). The first VoTD-LTE call was conducted on China Mobile’s network in Guangzhou, using ZTE’s TD-LTE technology and core IP Multimedia System platform.
The call was carried out using multi-modes and multi-band smartphones powered by Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:MRVL)’s chipsets. This call demonstrated the ability of VoLTE to integrate data and voice services in a network while achieving higher efficiency for operators, such as China Mobile Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:CHL).
Moving forward with VoLTE
As China Mobile Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:CHL), the world’s largest mobile phone operator, plans to build and complete 1,200 4G network base stations by the end of this year and aims to launch 4G LTE network for public usage by August, China Mobile Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:CHL) needs to push its VoLTE development forward urgently.
Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:MRVL), a global leader in providing complete silicon solutions enabling the digital connected lifestyle, recently introduced the PXA1088 LTE, the industry’s first mass market quad-core 5-mode category 4 LTE single-chip solution. PXA1088 supports 2G/3G/4G communications, including LTE. PXA1088 LTE features a dual-radio dual link LTE voice solution, including CSFB solution and VoLTE based on IP Multimedia Subsystem. PXA1088 LTE is expected to be in strong demand to help global Tier-1 OEMs and operators to migrate from 3G to 4G with LTE seamlessly.
On the other hand, Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM), a global leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, is also involved with VoLTE with its recent introduction of the industry’s smallest 4G LTE-Advanced modem, BCM21892. The new Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM) modem integrates IP Multimedia Subsystem/VoLTE capability, allowing operators to deploy HD voice and other advanced features. Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM)’s LTE modem provides higher quality voice calls and extends talk-time while its VoLTE calls consumes about 40% less power than 3G calls.
Bottom line
VoLTE enables telecom operators, such as China Mobile Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:CHL), to provide higher quality voice over LTE network. As telecom operators continue to face increasing competition from OTT service providers, operators need to extend their value offerings besides speed. Higher voice quality and lower power consumption will continue to be demand drivers for VoLTE.
Nick Chiu owns shares of China Mobile. The Motley Fool owns shares of China Mobile.
The article VoLTE, the Next Big Thing for 4G LTE originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Nick Chiu.
Nick is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
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