The challenge of Artificial Intelligence for the mobile industry

The arrival of the new Chinese low-cost Artificial Intelligence has greatly revolutionised the international geopolitical panorama, hitting the prices of the main American technology companies hard, causing panic in the stock markets and strongly questioning their strategies and their investments (past and future), but we must be critical, not rush into making decisions and analyse this movement calmly. We must not fall into the error of thinking that DeepSeek is the revolution and the panacea to all problems, and at the same time believe that American strategies and policies in this regard have failed and have been nothing short of utterly ridiculous. We must go a step further and be critical of these assertions.

How should the mobile industry position itself in this new international scenario?

The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 was a major milestone that democratised the use of AI. By 2024, according to the GSMA, 36% of European mobile operators had implemented generative AI techniques, mainly focused on network optimisation, security and customer service improvements. AI, particularly generative AI, is becoming increasingly important in this regard, although it still poses significant challenges.

Lights and shadows of 5G: Is it profitable for everyone?

All these ‘benefits’, if we analyse them from the customer perspective (whether enterprise or end user), have not materialised – for the moment – in any new or differentiating use. If the arrival of 3G boosted the widespread consumption of data on mobile devices, and 4G led to the smartphone boom – with video applications and social networks designed exclusively for them – it is not so easy to identify how 5G changes the life of the average citizen.

Impact of 5G on the digital ecosystem

The GSMA analysis makes it clear that 4G has sufficient capacity to cover such demanding functions as a wireless office in the cloud, group video calls or real-time online gaming. There are few applications that require at least one of the differentiating elements of 5G (and we are now talking about true 5G, latency of less than 1 ms and downstream speeds of more than 1 Gbps) and can therefore be considered truly unique to this technology. Among them, the international body highlights the already hackneyed applications such as virtual and augmented reality, immersive or tactile internet and the autonomous car… well, this is the dreaming part we mentioned at the beginning.

Challenges for operators

Maintaining a duplicity of network infrastructures is clearly not economically efficient and, of course, more complicated to operate and support (yes, not economically efficient). Added to this is the fact that scalability must be taken into account in all technologies, so we can end up with three structures (2/3G, 4G and 5G), which leads to the inherent problems of scalability – it is not easy to expand operations to meet fluctuations in demand – and of adapting to market needs, so innovations are more limited, which also complicates the commercialisation of new services or the arrival of the technology for them.

The solution then is to have a single platform, compatible with legacy networks as well as current and future ones, capable of ensuring a smooth transition – technically and economically. The good news is that today’s technology makes it possible for providers such as JSC Ingenium to make such solutions available to all operators – large, medium or small – at an affordable and scalable cost. Moreover, they are designed to operate in the cloud, whether public or private (although it is not essential to have a cloud environment) and can be deployed in almost any infrastructure.

The What and the How

If, despite all that has been written and talked about 5G monetisation, operators are not seeing a clear return on investment on the demand side, the best alternative for them to maintain – and improve – their balance sheets is to look at new ways of doing what they have always done and, in doing so, adjust costs. Beyond re-evaluating what services are offered to justify price increases, it is time to focus on all the possibilities they have in terms of how they manage their operations and how much they can optimise their performance.

A big difference between the real 5G and its predecessors (3G/4G) is that it involves much more profound changes and the way to get the most out of it is to understand them. Assuming that, in this case, it is not a mere evolution of what was already there, but a real revolution that brings with it totally new concepts such as network slicing, edge computing, containerisation, microservices, cloudification… Operators can be great beneficiaries, but they will also have to be the great drivers, the agents of change.

The implementation of all these elements associated with 5G is very uneven among operators. It varies greatly depending on size, maturity level, availability of resources… but, undoubtedly, the most decisive factor is the ability of decision-makers to anticipate the future of telecommunications.

In conclusion, the profitability of 5G if it is not in the market for the time being seems to be subject to the ability of operators to see and go a bit further. Those who develop the potential of all these tools of network segmentation, microservices, containerisation, etc. in an efficient, open and backwards compatible way will increase their competitiveness in the market, will be able to continue to invest and grow. Those who do not, may be able to get around the difficulties for a while, but in the long run… they shall not pass!

6 keys to understanding what has happened in the Telco market in the first half of 2024

Along these lines, we find some Mobile Operators who are questioning whether or not to go to 5G, and confess privately that they are considering going directly to 6G because they are not sure that there will be a massive demand for services in 5G and it is not clear how they will be able to make their revenues profitable, leaning towards waiting and taking advantage of the moment to amortize past investments.

4. While all this is happening, the GSMA presented the “GSMA Open Gateway: State of the Market, H1 2024” report. This initiative aims to collaborate between operators to harness the power of global mobile networks, offering access to developers and cloud service providers so that they can access enhanced network capabilities and can optimize and deploy services and applications more quickly – quality on demand, carrier billing, etc. Facilitate new use cases, including combating digital fraud, simplifying user authentication, solving quality of service problems, edge computing… Since 2023, 49 Mobile Operators, representing 65% of the global market, have participated in this initiative.

The Importance of IMS and the Convergence of Fixed and Mobile in the Future of Teleco

Every 10 years or so, a new mobile communications technology emerges -1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, …- According to GSMA, it is expected that the penetration of 5G in Latin America in 2030 will be just over 50%, however, we have been hearing about 6G for some time, so everything makes us think that this dynamic will continue over time. A new technology always brings with it new improvements and differentiating advantages over its predecessors, but it also involves high multimillion-dollar investments and new challenges that in some cases affect the entire Telco industry.

VoLTE is the technology that allows voice calls to be made over LTE (4G) networks. This technology takes advantage of the high-speed data infrastructure of LTE networks, resulting in better voice quality – more stable and better-quality voice calls in high definition, even in environments with a lot of interference, much faster call establishments, better coverage, lower battery consumption, etc. and an overall more satisfying experience for end users. In a market like Latin America, where the adoption of smartphones and mobile data consumption are constantly growing, VoLTE is presented as a fundamental piece to improve the quality and efficiency of communications.

The IMS architecture, on the other hand, allows the delivery of multimedia services over IP networks and makes these services agnostic to the type of access that the user has, fixed or mobile. Integrating VoLTE into an IMS environment means operators can offer a variety of advanced services, such as video calling, multimedia messaging, and real-time communication services, all through a single IP infrastructure.

This convergence of fixed and mobile services provides greater flexibility and efficiency in the delivery of communication services, while simplifying network management and reducing operational costs for service providers.

The adoption of IMS in Latin America presents a number of unique benefits, both for users and telecom operators. First, users will enjoy a richer and more satisfying communication experience, with clearer voice calls, high-quality video calls, and a variety of multimedia services available at their fingertips. In addition, by integrating fixed and mobile services into a single IMS platform, operators can offer converged service packages that meet changing consumer needs and improve customer loyalty.

The convergence of fixed and mobile services also opens up new business opportunities for telecommunications operators in Latin America. By offering integrated packages that include voice, data, and value-added services, operators can differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market and increase their revenue per user. In addition, the convergence of the Core for voice services over fixed and mobile networks allows operators to optimize the use of resources and reduce operating costs, allowing them to invest in expanding coverage and improving service quality.

However, the implementation of IMS for VoLTE and fixed access (convergence of fixed and mobile services) is not without its challenges. One of these is interoperability between different networks and service providers, which requires common standards and protocols to ensure a consistent user experience. Having the right partner to ensure the best experience for the end user is critical for a telecommunications operator to survive the current scenario.

In conclusion, we can say that VoLTE IMS and the convergence of fixed and mobile services are fundamental elements for the future of telecommunications in Latin America and Colombia. These technologies not only improve the quality and efficiency of communications, but also open up new business opportunities for telecommunications operators in the region, while reducing operating costs after network unification. However, it is crucial to address the challenges associated with implementing these technologies, such as interoperability and data security, to ensure a smooth transition to a more connected and user-centric digital future.

Unlocking 5G with the Telco Cloud

How the cloud-native future began

The story of 5G starts with the legacy of 2G. Today, we live in a world where 4G deployment is near-ubiquitous. 5G will surpass it, with the market expected to reach over 14 billion global subscribers by 2028.

The “traditional” 10-year cycle for generations compressed significantly when 3G failed to take off. This led to the base acceleration of 4G into one of the most successful generations yet. This approach is now being used for 5G non-standalone (NSA) deployments to accelerate us to the 5G future.

Unlocking monetisation and greenfield in 5G

What can the past successes of 4G tell us? We compared Omnia’s data on high-income market 4G uptake to the same space in 5G. Comparing this with the overall NSA and SA 5G curve, we see a similar pattern. However, unlike the initial launches of 4G, we have 5G NSA to contend with. It uses 4G evolved packet cores – useful for service upgrades but with no new opportunities. It is when 5G NSA deployments are moved to a true 5G SA cloud-native core that monetisation happens.

5G SA allows for network slicing, moving beyond Quality of Service (QoS) controls to guaranteed service terms and delivery. Of particular interest is enterprise network slicing, or private networks. It’s also worth noting the potential of brand-new developments like Voice over New Radio (VoNR+), opening up new data channels and a new generation of mobile calling in tandem with 5G.

• We expect to see all-inclusive 5G SA development rise from $16 billion to $22 billion by 2028.
• Private networks add $3 billion, predicted to rise to $8 billion.
• Packet core development is predicted to be $15-16 billion.

To the cloud and beyond

Proprietary, purpose-built, inflexible, and closed legacy networks are giving way to virtualised, open/white box technology and software. Lessons learned from IT have allowed for a separation between hardware and software. Providers can leverage faster software lifecycles without hardware upgrades until they are needed.

Now, we have a cloud-native future! Virtual machines are replaced by cloud-native machines and containers. Modular development allows for ultra-quick development and deployment.

From there, where? Telco-as-a-Service (Taas). More services can be sold, private networks and enterprise-focused services become a reality, and automated modular APIs used on-demand are a reality.

The three stages of cloud maturity

There are 3 key stages to cloud maturity:

1. Telco Cloud: Cloud mature CSPs have their own cloud environment, moving towards Cloud-as-a-Service (Caas). GitOps, DevOps, and CI/CD culture is agile, with strong vendor relationships. They have a clear roadmap and develop focused solutions for their market.
2. Transitioning: These CSPs are actively moving towards the cloud, but struggling with their strategy. They need to break free from traditional operations but are moving in the right direction.
3. Advanced TCN: These are CSPs with traditional operations looking for an integrated full-stack solution. They often lack a cloud strategy altogether. They need to get “cloud-ready” for hassle-free migration.

• Added complexity with integration.
• Initial outlay on CNF and microservices can be more costly, although with more payback.
• Separation of software and infrastructure.
• Evolution of management responsibilities.

• Using “any-G solutions” instead of single legacy technologies.
• Avoiding wasteful incremental upgrades. 5G SA CNF upgrades should be the priority.
• Ensure compatibility with certified CaaS products and CNI networks.
• Use a multi-vendor strategy emphasising flexibility, portability, and openness.
• Embrace DevOps, CI/CD, and automation.
• Choose scalable and versatile solutions.
• Control your own roadmap for full monetisation and open technology.
• Use flexible pricing models for future-forward adaptability.

JSC Ingenium: your 5G and IMS telco cloud partner

We offer:

• Native any-G network clouds (easier maintenance, lower TCO).
• Containerised deployments serving new and legacy technologies that are easily configurable and programmable.
• Sustainable PPU business models to smooth cashflow.
• Scalability for all subscriber base sizes.

Why cloud-native VoLTE is your next big transition

VoLTE – Higher quality voice services

Voice over LTE, VoLTE/IMS, is a solution to provide high-quality voice services over 4G and 5G networks. It also allows – via IMS Centralised Services – compatibility with legacy 2G and 3G networks. In this way, operators can guarantee service continuity even while these legacy networks are no longer operational.

In addition, it is worth remembering that there are still certain obligations that CSPs must fulfil in order to satisfy their licensing requirements, and this includes voice functionality. They must ensure users can contact emergency services. This feature must include adequate network coverage, reliability, and call quality.

So-called over-the-top applications can’t meet these universal service obligations. These are services offered via the Internet, such as Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime. They are usually delivered in conjunction with third parties. They also have no support for emergency calls and no quality guarantees. Critically, they rely on all users signing up for the same app.

VoLTE – the best route from legacy to 5G

Exciting new 5G services such as edge computing and network slicing show how rapidly the communications space can evolve to enable new revenue streams. (However, 5G is not still viable enough to encourage CSPs to fully invest in providing full coverage or deploy 5G Core.) To compete for the revenue opportunities generated by these advances, many network operators are planning (or have already actioned) the switch-off of their 2G and 3G networks from 2025, to enable massive expansion of
LTE and 5G through refarming.

The sunsetting of 2G/3G networks will free up sub-6GHz spectrum, including the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies currently reserved for 2G, and the 2100 MHz frequency used for 3G. This will reduce network complexity and maintenance. It will also allow CSPs to extend their 4G and 5G coverage. 

But getting there will require careful management. Most devices and network providers now support 4G VoLTE. However, the use of Circuit Switched FallBack (CSFB) for voice calls over 3G is still significant, especially for emergency call scenarios. In many parts of the world, it is essential. The governing industry body, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), has approved certain standards for 5G services. These do not include provisions for CSFB. This makes VoLTE the default voice solution in all current and near-future 5G network deployments. Due to VoLTE’s backwards compatibility with 2G and 3G, it has become a necessary bridging technology.

Cloud-native IMS and VoLTE – reliable, flexible, agile

VoLTE services rely on IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture. This allows the delivery of IP-based multimedia services to both fixed and mobile users. These include voice, video, text, and supplementary services (e.g., call barring, message waiting, and conferencing functions).

IMS architecture is also the foundation for emerging technologies such as 5G VoNR. This means any investment in IMS infrastructure will be protected as a result of additional value and revenue streams later on, as services such as VoNR and additional 5G use cases (3GPP TR22.873) become more widely adopted.

Layered IMS architecture is more flexible than traditional monolithic communications network architecture. This makes it an ideal fit for cloud-native deployments. It allows CSPs to reduce their hardware footprint and avoid vendor hardware lock-ins.

With a cloud-native IMS instance, on-demand delivery of compute, storage, database, and network resources can be scaled up or down almost instantly. This leads to significant improvements in operational efficiency. Services like VoLTE can also be
integrated as incremental components on a pay-per-use basis.

Containerisation and microservices

Containerisation also allows multiple applications to run simultaneously on the same server. This brings cost and performance benefits. It also allows for further optimisation opportunities. Individual microservices can be scaled up and down according to user needs. 

Pivoting your IT development activities to a containerisation approach involves building, testing, and deploying microservices independently. This shift brings benefits such as faster development cycles and a shorter time to market. It also helps reduce the risk and impact of human error.

JSC Ingenium VoLTE solution

The JSC VoLTE solution is created according to Cloud-Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) Best Practices. It eliminates any dependency on your chosen underlying cloud platform. 

Our VoLTE system is managed using Kubernetes, offering flexible scalability. It can handle a minimum provision of 30 calls per second or scale up to accommodate several million simultaneous busy-hour calls.

A robust versioning system enables Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) and facilitates automation. It builds reliability and consistency across environments and promotes vendor and CSP collaboration. It also improves the speed and efficiency of delivery.

• which cloud-native IMS deployment is best for you,
• how cloud-native IMS architecture works, and
• how JSC Ingenium’s VoLTE solution has helped three major global carriers rapidly adapt to their new business needs.

Creating the perfect niche: benefits for MVNOs of working with multiple hosts

The evolution of MVNOs as a process of niche development

The benefits of working with multiple hosts from the perspective of niche development

• Firstly, by working with multiple hosts, MVNOs are able to provide wider coverage. While each MNO owns and operates infrastructure in specific regions, these will not necessarily match the coverage requirements of their customers. This is especially important in large, difficult-to-cover geographies, for customers whose operations are distributed across large regions, and for those operating in remote areas. Working with multiple hosts allows MVNOs to cover most (or all) of a country and provide access according to the movements of specific user groups.
• Secondly, working with multiple hosts means access to a broader range of innovative technologies. Different hosts will have access to a variety of technologies but won’t necessarily offer the exact combinations of these that different niches require. Alternatively, hosts sometimes don’t provide all customers access to the latest technologies even when operational. Through identifying niches, MVNOs working with multiple hosts can provide the right customers access to the right technologies at the right prices.

Benefits in action – Alestra enables hotel and security services connectivity through its multi-host solution in Mexico

Alestra can also provide these abilities to the MVNO customers it enables. They can then leverage these capabilities with discretion to carve out their own niches.

• An eco-archeological theme park, with aquatic attractions, located in privileged but remote areas of Cancun and Riviera Maya -in the jungle between subway rivers, cenotes and in front of the imposing Caribbean Sea-, had difficulty connecting all its hotels with a single host. Now, through Alestra, it can provide quality, cost-effective, and high-speed connectivity to all its locations.
• Alestra’s innovative solution has also empowered the company in charge of public safety and defense communications solutions in Mexico to specify the precise quality of service each subscriber receives. It, therefore, now enables security personnel to not only communicate with voice, but also to securely transmit audio and video in real time, regardless of location. This was completely unprecedented.

Realising the benefits of multi-host solutions with JSC Ingenium

To learn more about JSC’s offering for virtual operators visit the MVNOS and Technology pages.

Best practices to manage sunsetting 2G and 3G network infrastructure

From generation to generation of mobile network infrastructure, performance improvements rely on communication service providers (CSPs) utilising their network infrastructures optimally to increase network bandwidth and provide better throughputs and stable connectivity services. It is this process of continual optimisation that ultimately provides all consumers – from individuals to enterprises and public institutions – with telecom solutions that are more efficient and secure and power productivity. For CSPs, this process is also critical for business efficiency. In addition to spectrum refarming allowing for increased bandwidth for newer generation technologies, reducing the number of active cellular networks by shutting down older generations decreases maintenance costs. CSPs can then reinvest these savings to empower efficiency gains and innovation within next-generation networks.

With 4G LTE technology well-established and 5G reaching maturity, it is once again time to undertake this transition process, including sunsetting 2G and 3G networks. Managing the transition strategically is crucial to prevent delays and ensure a smooth takeover of the 4G LTE and 5G NR cellular networks. Based on the latest research from Gartner, 3 Best Practices for CSP CIOs to Shut Down 2G/3G Network Infrastructure, we’ve created a best-practice guide to help CSP CIOs and other technology leaders manage cellular network infrastructure migration with clarity and confidence.

Best practice 1 – Manage network shutdown based on local market conditions

Analyse the costs and benefits of existing networks

When deciding which networks to shut down first, compare how much use each network gets, its likely lifespan, and the maintenance costs associated with its operation. According to Gartner, “CSPs can consider closing other nonmainstream technologies (e.g., CDMA, PDC, PHS, TD-SCDMA, Wi-MAX) earlier due to their smaller ecosystem and shorter life cycle”. This is true regardless of the geographic and market context. In contrast, the choice between shutting down 2G GSM and 3G UMTS depends on local conditions. Decision criteria should include networks with less use or subscribers, limited population coverage, higher operating costs and those that rely on old equipment no longer being produced. While markets that adopted newer generations earlier – like the US, Japan, South Korea, and China – usually shut down 2G first, European markets that rely on circuit-switched (CS) technologies tend to shut down 3G first.

Analyse support for specific functions such as voice calling and SMS services

While 2G and 3G technologies are outdated, they nonetheless support vital communication functions through CS voice and SMS services. Therefore, Gartner states that CSPs should “analyse the degree of commercial use and formulate an alternative voice call and SMS service for existing users and inbound roaming users who previously used its circuit-switched (CS) network”. This is especially important for emergency calling and will be crucial for regulatorybodies approving the shutdown of 2G/3G networks. If old networks are maintained, they can support CS fallback for voice calling and SMS. If only 4G and 5G networks are retained, voice  over LTE (VoLTE) and SMS over IP alternatives must be fully functional and reliable, including any necessary integration or customisation for emergency calls.

Work with all stakeholders to develop a migration strategy and manage the transition

Building on the above findings, CSP CIOs and other technology leaders should develop a migration strategy that accommodates the interests of various stakeholders. CSPs operate within a large ecosystem of MNOs and MVNOs, individual consumers, enterprises and public institutions. Therefore, according to Gartner, CSPs should consider “not only technical factors but also business factors (e.g., existing services, enterprise solutions, revenue) through cross- functional communication and coordination”. Announcing a shutdown without prior consultation is likely to be counterproductive, leading to pushback from consumers and regulators and implementation delays. This is especially important considering supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic, which has compounded with global computer chip shortages, resulting in substantial delays for organisations needing to upgrade to 4G/5G compatible devices. A significant proportion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, particularly in industrial and agricultural contexts, still utilise CS networks – as do many medical devices that provide real-time patient data to first responders. Regular communication and close cooperation between CSPs and these consumers to resolve difficulties in upgrading devices will help to facilitate quick and efficient network migration.

Best practice 2 – Proactively work with regulators to secure favourable legislation

Each country has its own bodies to control and monitor wireless networks. Alongside consumer- side stakeholder collaboration, Gartner advises that CSP should “submit their network shutdown strategy (e.g., schedule) to regulators in advance and derive rules and regulations that are advantageous to them by negotiating the details”. It is also important to understand the established regulatory requirements and precedents for shutting down 2G/3G network infrastructure when devising a shutdown framework. This will help to manage expectations across all interested parties and prevent delays that hamper business forecasting.

Best practice 3 – Create a phased strategy for network modernisation

Given that CSPs compete to provide the best experience for consumers via data transfer rates, latency and network reliability and security, there are clear early-mover advantages for CSPs that can most rapidly and effectively modernise their networks. According to Gartner, “CSPCIOs and technology leaders should formulate their own long-term (three-year, five-year span and more) radio spectrum strategy and modernize their cellular network focusing on only 4G and 5G”. This involves mapping out a phased transition towards 4G and 5G-only networks, including a framework for shutting down 2G/3G infrastructure and a plan to reallocate radio frequencies and financial savings to network modernisation.

Adopt the latest technology to improve 4G/5G network coverage and capacity

• Technologies that support multiple radio frequency networks, like dynamic spectrum sharing, multiband remote units and single radio access network (RAN), enable individual networks to support multiple mobile communication standards, providing benefits such as reduced footprint and cost, increased coverage and more consistent performance.
• Cutting-edge technologies like massive MIMO, vEPC and open RAN can enable a wide range of benefits, including improved coverage at the cell edge, better energy efficiency (therefore supporting sustainability targets) and increasingly flexible deployment options that support innovation.
• Multi-operator support, such as through active/passive sharing, can reduce capital expenditure – helping to bring down prices for consumers across the board – and can also substantially improve network coverage.

Target enterprise clients and other large organisations with private and hybrid 5G offerings

On the other end of the strategy spectrum, CSPs can carve out a niche. According to Gartner, this involves “[shifting] from a consumer focus to an enterprise business focus by adopting public 5G, private 5G and hybrid 5G to satisfy various demands from enterprises”. Private 5G allows for high levels of organisational control and is beneficial for orchestrating massive numbers of IoT devices in a concentrated area, such as in airports or large industrial settings; to provide connectivity in remote areas; or in contexts where security and privacy are paramount. Hybrid 5G combines public and private networks for different use cases, following a similar logic to hybrid cloud deployment. Offering these services to enterprises or public institutions facilitates CSPs investing in innovative technologies by guaranteeing returns on their investments.

Create an all-IP cellular network

A third strategy, says Gartner, is to focus on a specific objective: “Pursue an all-IP cellular network by adopting IP-based voice services only (e.g., VoLTE and VoNR)”. This has a range of potential benefits, including higher capacity, lower latency, reduced lifecycle costs and increased revenue via faster service rollout. Achieving an all-IP network with advanced voice and messaging services will involve a range of technological and solution-focused innovations (e.g., customisation for emergency calling) but has the benefit of consolidating action around a single aim, which can help to streamline collaboration within CSPs.

Accelerate network modernisation with JSC Ingenium

Founded in 1996, JSC Ingenium has built its reputation through its vast portfolio of telecom network solutions for 3G and 4G Core Network Infrastructure, Service Enablers and innovative 5G Network offerings. Leveraging this experience to support the evolution of next-generation networks, JSC Ingenium has the flexibility, creativity, and vision to enable communication service providers to transform their mobile networks to support the rapid introduction of all-IP converged voice and messaging services based on IMS. The company provides operators with a tailored solution that enables them to offer future-proof services (VoLTE, VoWifi, VoNR, VoBB) designed to coexist and evolve with 5G deployments (SA and NSA). What JSC Ingenium offers is one single solution that combines truly cloud-native properties and backward compatibility. Therefore, it can support from legacy technologies to 5G SA, maximizing the return on investment and reducing the TCO of the network.

CSPs need to embrace Cloud-Native VoLTE IMS. Here’s how

As the world becomes increasingly digital, Communication Service Providers (CSPs) seek new ways to stay relevant, innovate, and gain a competitive advantage. Despite the ever-increasing availability of high-speed internet and a rising number of Over-The-Top services and communication channels, CSPs face declining usage and revenue from traditional voice services. To counter this trend, they are under immense pressure to deliver more reliable voice services of better quality. Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) services have emerged as a promising solution.

Not long ago, VoLTE device penetration, deployment costs, and the maturity of end-to-end VoLTE solutions were all considered major obstacles to the growth of VoLTE adoption. Today, those obstacles have largely been overcome. This makes it an opportune time to invest in the technology. While voice services do not drive customer acquisition or increase monthly average revenue per unit, they remain an essential network service for CSPs. Simply put, subpar services are likely to drive customers away. It is, therefore, crucial for CSPs to invest in infrastructure to support high-quality voice services.

The value of voice

The importance of quality voice services was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic: Connecting with others is essential to successful business collaboration as well as personal well-being. In the modern world, barriers of physical distance have been overcome by communication networks, and we rely on this technology to run globally distributed businesses and maintain long-distance relationships with friends and family. The Cellular Technology Industry Association (CTIA) reported a substantial increase in wireless usage, particularly in voice traffic, due to the pandemic and stay-at-home protocols. For example, the CTIA noted a 24.3% surge in U.S. voice traffic during this period. The trend continued throughout 2020 and 2021.

In the past, limited smartphone support for VoLTE was a significant impediment to its adoption. Given the numbers cited above, this prompted major concerns about its viability as a replacement for circuit-switched (CS) networks, with reliable emergency calling being a vital issue. However, according to the GSMA Terminal Database, most 4G smartphones now support VoLTE. The applications of VoLTE expand beyond smartphones to include various IoT devices – including wearables, cameras, and smart speakers – with uses spanning consumer goods, public services, security, large infrastructure projects, and industrial contexts.

VoLTE, an accelerator of 5G expansion

With the emergence of 5G, VoLTE, therefore, becomes even more critical. IMS technology, the only standard solution for VoLTE, is essential for voice over 5G (Vo5G) services because there is no circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) of voice from 5G. For this reason, the 5G network rollout will facilitate VoLTE launches over the next five years, alongside contributing to the evolution of Vo5G services. Many 5G devices, including smartphones and IoT devices, already support VoLTE, and trials of Vo5G indicate that VoLTE services will only become more prevalent.

Driving momentum in next-generation networks

Despite these promising signs, only around 30% of operators with LTE have launched commercial VoLTE services, indicating that many are uncertain about how to leverage these technological advances and capabilities. CSPs can drive momentum for VoLTE services by deploying cloud-native IMS. This way, VoLTE IMS can be integrated as a simple, incremental component of any cloud network migration. This approach will allow CSPs to scale their capacity more efficiently and use “pay as you grow” deployment models that would otherwise be unavailable. Deploying a cloud-native IMS will also provide CSPs with greater flexibility, allowing them to deliver new services and capabilities even more quickly and efficiently.

Just as CSPs have been planning 5G core networks using cloud-native architectures, operators should consider deploying cloud-native IMS as part of their overall network strategy. With the cumulative effects of increasing availability of VoLTE-compatible devices, the importance of voice services to customers, and the role of IMS technology in VoLTE and Vo5G services, the benefits of deploying VoLTE have never been more evident. By positioning VoLTE as an integral, incremental component of any cloud migration, CSPs can leverage the benefits of the technology without incurring unnecessary costs or complexities.

To learn more about Cloud-Native VoLTE IMS Solutions, visit JSC’s VoLTE IMS and Hyperelastic Networks pages.

Advanced Platform Migration Solutions

A crucial element for an MVNO to succeed is its ability to be agile and adaptable. As the mobile market and opportunities change, so does the MVNO need to change.

Therefore, one of the challenges that an MVNO can face when carrying out a migration to a more advanced platform is to carry it out with the lowest possible cost and the minimum inconvenience for its subscribers.

For this reason from JSC Ingenium, network infrastructure solutions for MNOs and MVNOS, we offer a solution for enabling HLR proxy and HLR, designed to help operators quickly and easily update and expand their HLR assets, so they can avoid costly and disruptive replacement programs, while keeping up with new service demands.

What is JSC Ingenium’s solution for platform migration?

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Advantages of our migration solution for business:

• Cost savings, as subscribers do not have to change their SIM cards.
• Quality of service: This service does not affect the subscriber at any time.
• The mobile operator or MVNO extends the service provided to all subscribers on the new platform.
• It is possible to carry out a progressive implementation in which the two platforms coexist, and subscribers are migrated to the new platform according to business planning.

JSC Ingenium solutions for HLR proxy enablement allow mobile operators to act quickly and easily with great flexibility and agility, while avoiding the rigid and monolithic architecture of legacy platforms.

During the deployment of the new Network Infrastructure, there coexist both the old customers of the MVNO, which operates on the network infrastructure of its Host Operator, and new customers who are registered directly on the new platform.

In this way, from the migration:

• For registering an old subscriber: JSC Ingenium solution routes the full range of IMSIs from old subscribers to that of the MVNO. When a former MVNO’s subscriber tries to register, the MVNO’s HLR proxy identifies the IMSI as an old subscriber and forwards it to the MNO’s HLR so it sends the subscriber’s keys, and from that moment on, service can be provided following the standard process.
• For registering a new subscriber: the MNO network is configured to route the full range of IMSIs of new subscribers to the MVNO’s platform. When a new MVNO’s subscriber tries to register, the MVNO’s HLR proxy identifies the IMSI as a new subscriber and forwards it to the MNO’s HLR so it sends the subscriber’s keys, and from that moment on, service can be provided following the standard process.