VoLTE calls between Verizon and AT&T users to become a reality

American wireless carriers Verizon and AT&T will enable VoLTE interoperability between their networks for making VoLTE HD voice calls on their networks.

Though Verizon and AT&T are looking at VoLTE network expansion, their customers are unable to connect to a third party network. Interoperability ensures that a Verizon VoLTE user can make a call to an AT&T VoLTE user in the year 2015.

GSA, a telecom industry body, in September 2014 said the number of HD voice launches enabled by VoLTE is forecast to reach 19 by end-2014 and then double in 2015.

Currently, voice calls are done on their 2G networks.

The end result will be seamless experience by making VoLTE HD Voice calls between networks. The development lays the foundation for interoperability of other Rich Communications Services (RCS) such as video calls, rich messaging, and more.

ALSO READ: VoLTE market size will be $S30 bn through 2019: ABI Research

VoLTE is an all-IP (Internet Protocol) technology integrates the network’s enhanced calling features into the smartphone.

Both AT&T and Verizon said their engineers are working through a set of requirements, beginning with testing in labs and then moving to field trials.

VoLTE users to grow at 145 percent CAGR from 2012 to 2017

AT&T and Verizon Wireless will be working with other telecom operators such as Sprint, T-Mobile US, etc.

“Interoperability among all VoLTE providers takes connectivity to the next level with HD quality voice and additional features that customers want,” said Tony Melone, chief technology officer at Verizon.

ALSO READ: Global VoLTE revenue to touch around $3 bn by 2017, says Infonetics Research

Verizon Wireless unveiled its Advanced Calling 1.0 services across the United States in September. The wireless carrier will be adding more Advanced Calling-capable smartphones to tap more mobile customers.

On the other hand, AT&T introduced VoLTE services in its initial markets earlier this year, and will continue to expand to more devices and more markets across the United States.

“Interoperability of VoLTE between wireless carriers is crucial to a positive customer experience,” said Krish Prabhu, president, AT&T Labs and Chief Technology Officer, AT&T.

Note: the image is not directly connected to the announcement

Baburajan K
[email protected]