More than 42 percent of global mobile network operators
(MNOs) are currently deploying or trialling LTE, and an additional 34.2 percent
plan LTE network rollouts in the future, according to BroadSoft.
The survey, conducted by analyst firm MobileSQUARED on
behalf of BroadSoft, a global provider of software that enables mobile,
fixed-line and cable service providers to deliver real-time communications over
their IP networks, identified strategies and perspectives of mobile operators
worldwide about LTE, Unified Communications (UC) and Rich Communications Suite
(RCS) services in an all-IP environment.
Approximately three quarters of all operators surveyed
said they plan to launch an LTE network in the future, with 42 percent already
deploying or trialling LTE. One requirement for monetizing these high speed networks
is the availability of LTE handsets. Over one-third of those surveyed believe
LTE handsets will be readily available in 2012, and another third (for a total
of 64 percent) believe LTE handsets will be available by 2013.
The GSM Association closely watches the speed of LTE network
deployments and recently recognized LTE as the fastest developing mobile
technology ever, and with it, the industry is witnessing the emergence of a
strong UC offering.
These services are expected to enable the majority of
mobile operators to leverage their significant assets to overcome the threat
posed by Over-the-Top (OTT) services and target both the consumer and
enterprise market with innovative, revenue generating services beyond
traditional voice and messaging.
“We believe the results of the BroadSoft survey
reinforce our view that LTE offers significant opportunities for mobile network
operators to leverage an all-IP environment to deliver innovative
communications services that enhance, rather than replace, voice,” said
Scott Hoffpauir, chief technology officer, BroadSoft.
“With the proliferation of mobile tablets and
smartphones, we believe VoLTE can be a game changer for mobile carriers, as
they are ideally positioned to provide a single communications identity — a
phone number — through which their customers can always be reached, regardless
of the communication app, voice, video, texting, IM, or device they
choose,” Hoffpauir added.
When operators were asked to choose the three most
important elements of UC and RCS, “data sharing” topped the list,
chosen by almost 60 percent of respondents, followed by “video and
conferencing” and standard “telephony.”
The survey shows mobile operators believe this evolution
is taking place and that LTE will enable them to capitalize on the desire by
individuals for a wider variety of communication options.
The vast majority of operators (92 percent) surveyed
stated that they are either currently or are planning to offer UC services for
enterprise customers and 83 percent currently (or plan to) offer RCS services
for consumers.
With an LTE network, MNOs can offer a superior user
experience, by providing higher quality of service (QoS) for voice and video
calling, than the “best effort” offered by OTT providers. VoLTE
specifications ensure that voice quality and service requirements are as good
as current CS-domain voice, or better.
By TelecomLead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com
