Voice over LTE

In the all-IP LTE network for 4th generation mobile, voice sessions compete for bandwidth with other services. Unlike in earlier generations of mobile networks, voice calls are not isolated on specific circuits. This presents a challenge for mobile network operators (MNOs), as voice calls still present a significant source of revenue and there are often clear regulatory guidelines mandating on-going support for voice services. Currently, Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB) has been proposed for Voice over LTE sessions. However, this presents further challenges as, in reverting to a 3G or 2G network connection, the data path also falls back to a narrower bandwidth connection, leading to service degradation for the user and risking an increase in customer dissatisfaction.

The latest releases of the 3GPP standards include QoS facilities for VoIP and other services; however this is of no help to operators deploying LTE today based on earlier releases.

MNOs need to ensure constant service availability and consistent quality for voice sessions. They need to offer service assurance to connected devices and handsets, particularly for premium or enterprise customers. Failure to do so may result in regulatory penalties and increase the likelihood of incurring costs through failure to support SLAs.

MNOs can deploy GoS Agent in handset devices and GoS Manager in the network. The combination allows real-time services, including voice, to be prioritised. This means that voice services can be guaranteed in the face of competition from other services. MNOs can protect both core revenues and ensure performance of a fundamental part of their service offer. By deploying GoS Agent and GoS Manager, MNOs can avoid having to adopt CSFB. Alternatively, if CSFB is deployed, GoS can also be used to manage critical data services on the reduced bandwidth connection available once CSFB is activated.

Deploying GoS Agents and GoS Manager enables MNOs to:

• Guarantee real-time voice and video services
• Avoid CSFB and ensure no service degradation for customers
• Protect critical data services where CSFB is selected
• Throttle back other competing services
• Maximise returns from SLAs
• Reduce risk of SLA penalties
• Reduce costs through efficient network optimisation and management
• Generate revenue with assured, sticky services

GoS 360° is the only way in which voice services can be guaranteed on all IP LTE networks with an IMS core.

GoS 360° delivers the only means to control upstream, user-generated traffic.

• Voice and video in LTE
• Voice for IMS-enabled core networks