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BroadSoft Global Survey Releases Mobile Network Operator ReportJun 30, 2011 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- More than 42 percent of global Mobile Network Operators are currently deploying or trialling LTE, and an additional 34.2 percent plan LTE network rollouts in the future, according to a study released by BroadSoft. In a release, BroadSoft noted the survey, conducted by analyst firm MobileSquared on behalf of BroadSoft identified strategies and perspectives of mobile operators about LTE, Unified Communications and Rich Communications Suite services in an all-IP environment. "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." 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 services and target both the consumer and enterprise market with revenue generating services beyond traditional voice and messaging. 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. Hoffpauir said, "We believe the introduction of these innovative communication services will enable MNOs to radically change the communication experience. We expect to see voice become high-definition voice, video calling become a standard feature and text messaging evolve to content messaging, with the sharing of pictures and videos, and all in real-time." 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 variety of communication options. Ninety-two 92 percent surveyed said 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 provide higher quality of service 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. Individual survey results are anonymous, but the participating operators include 3 Group, Etisalat, Maxis Communications, MTS, NTT DoCoMo, Orange/France Telecom, Orascom, QTel, Reliance Communications, Singapore Telecom, T-Mobile/Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica O2, Telenor, TeliaSonera, Telstra, Tigo, Turkcell, Vodafone, Wataniya Telecom and Zain. BroadSoft provides software that enables fixed-line, mobile and cable service providers to deliver voice and multimedia services over IP-based networks. Report information: broadsoft.com/pdf/volte-white-paper.pdf ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |