monica.paolini posted on May 04, 2012 19:02
What do mobile operators think about VoLTE? Operators like MetroPCS and Verizon have announced aggressive VoLTE plans, with MetroPCS planning to launch two to three VoLTE handsets before the end of 2012, and Verizon expecting to launch VoLTE by early 2013. But what are the views of the people that shape the strategy at mobile operators on VoLTE? We conducted a survey of mobile operators and this is what we found out (see also the graphs below):
- 76% of mobile operators expect to see VoLTE deployed within three years. Operators expect that VoLTE will be widely deployed worldwide, with the US leading the way. Reduction in the dependency from CDMA and the opportunity of spectrum refarming are the key drivers of adoption in the US.
- 86% support VoLTE. Operators also expect to be actively engaged in deploying VoLTE in their own network, although the sense of urgency is variable. In APAC and Europe, most operators agree that a move to VoLTE is necessary, but they see the transition as a mid-term goal.
- 54% expect a positive impact of VoLTE on TCO and performance. While most growth in wireless is in data, voice is still a crucial service and the major source of revenue generation for most operators.
- 50% expect VoLTE to improve revenues and user experience, even though potential for increased competition with OTT players is a widespread concern.
- Spectrum refarming will deliver the biggest cost benefits in the long term, as it allows operators to more efficiently use their spectrum allocations.
To find out more, download the paper that presents the results in more detail here.
