S T R A T E G I C

W H I T E

P A P E R

Whats Next for Mobile Voice?

The case for IMS VoIP in 3G/LTE
Although the industry is trialing and preparing to commercialize Long Term Evolution (LTE)
as the next-generation mobile technology, what are the plans for voice? The confusion
and misinformation about this is partly due to the tremendous revenues mobile operators
derive from mobile voice and the opportunity to create disruptive approaches in the
marketplace. This paper evaluates the methods operators use for voice to compete with
alternative providers. The result is clear IMS best enables operators to create voice services
that include partnering with application and content providers, realize the benefits of
LTEs all-IP network, and preserve global roaming and interoperability that we have
achieved in todays 2G/3G networks.

Table of contents
1

1. Introduction

2. Mobile voice: past, present and future

2 2.1 Long Term Evolution

3 2.2 Subscribers expectations for LTE mobile voice
4 2.3 Mobile voice competition
6

3. Comparison

7 3.1 IMS
9 3.2 CSFB
10 3.3 Custom methods (circuit core, LTE packet access)
11 3.4 Summarizing the three methods and recommendations
12

4. The Path to LTE and the One Voice Initiative

13

5. Alcatel-Lucent leadership

13 5.1 Alcatel-Lucent end-to-end LTE

13 5.2 Alcatel-Lucent end-to-end IMS
15

6. Conclusion

15

7. Contacts

16

8. Acronyms

16

9. References

1. Introduction
LTE will solve todays pressing needs for increased mobile data bandwidth. The popularity of devices
such as the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry, and services such as video and social networking
are rapidly outpacing 3Gs ability to effectively deliver services, causing some operators to reconsider
pricing plans for mobile data. Instead of reducing service usage, most operators prefer to increase
subscribers usage of mobile data by deploying LTE.
LTE will provide an experience that was previously available only in fixed broadband, owing to
LTEs high bandwidth and Quality of Service (QoS) which surpasses that available in 3G. Unlike
fixed broadband, it will be an untethered experience that people can take with them anywhere, and
it will be personal instead of being shared with other household members. Clearly, the improved
data service is extremely beneficial to consumers and enterprise users.
LTE is designed to be a flat, all-IP network, from the handset, through the radio access, across the
packet core and into the services layer. The all-IP network provides operators with economic benefits
from both the simplified networks operations (lower costs) and the new services created with IPs
inherent flexibility and utility (improved revenues). In such an all-IP network, voice is provided as
Voice over IP (VoIP). However, some operators and vendors are considering interim methods so they
can focus on LTEs initial service as a data-only overlay.
There are several methods for LTE to deliver voice and short message service (SMS), such as the
two leading methods, IMS VoIP and Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB), as well as other custom,
non-standard methods characterized by a 2G/3G circuit MSC linked to VoIP over the LTE packet
access. Except for IMS VoIP, all methods rely heavily on reusing the existing 2G/3G MSC. Reusing
the existing 2G/3G MSC provides benefits such as complete feature transparency plus leveraging the
MSCs already established integration into the Operational Support Systems and Business Support
Systems (OSS/BSS). However, it limits the introduction of new IP services (such as video telephony)
and prevents operational savings based on an all-IP LTE network. Reusing the 2G/3G network for
CSFB causes the LTE data session, during voice calls, to fall back to 3Gs lower data rates, or is even
suspended in 2G due to a lack of simultaneous voice and data capability. The remaining methods
either limit the ability to retain LTE service while roaming or, due to a smaller ecosystem, reduce
the selection and variety of LTE handsets available to support that custom method.
Each of these methods has different characteristics for deployment, total costs and the capabilities
enabled for the subscriber; these factors are evaluated in this paper. The essential LTE voice question
that operators ask themselves is which method should they use initially, to provide LTE voice? While
IMS VoIP is regarded as the desired end state, should and can they avoid investments in an interim
method by proceeding directly to IMS VoIP?
This paper examines the options for providing voice with LTE; and it builds the case for starting with
or rapidly moving to IMS VoIP as the best method to help operators realize LTEs potential for innovative and all-IP operational savings, preserve LTEs bandwidth during voice calls, minimize call setup
delays, assure global roaming and interoperability, and avoid the loss of lucrative voice services to
third-party ACPs who can readily provide VoIP service in LTE, much as they have in fixed broadband.

2. Mobile voice: past, present and future

How do people use their mobile phones? For most people, it is used for talking and texting with
their friends, families and colleagues. People are eager to connect with each other and are willing
to pay for it. Figure 1 shows that voice currently provides the majority of operators revenues [1].
Although voice revenues as a portion of total revenues are steadily declining, voice remains the
primary revenue contributor for the next several years. Add into this that approximately half of data
revenues come from texting (SMS) [2] and it is clear that the contributions of voice and texting are
fundamental to operators continued commercial success.
Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

Figure 1. Mobile services forecast for voice

Does this mean the future remains the same as the past, that voice and texting are the predominant
sources of mobile operators revenues? No, because data services are increasingly popular. The number
of data subscribers and their data usage continues to grow rapidly. This behavior is fueled by the
proliferation of 3G data networks, the widespread availability of multimedia and smartphones, the
availability of content and social networking sites using mobile devices, and affordable mobile data
services. However, voice and SMS are fundamental services in the operators portfolio because of
their significant revenues plus voices role as the base application on which to build further services,
such as GSMA RCS, high-definition voice and blending with social networking sites. The realization
of enhanced voice relies upon VoIP, not circuit switched voice. It is with IMS and VoIP that the
operators can compete and partner with the ACPs.
2.1 Long Term Evolution
Data services rapid growth places stress on 3G networks, thereby driving the emergence of LTE
as the means to deliver greater quantities of mobile data affordably. LTE enhances the Universal
Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) architecture, providing both improved bandwidth
and an improved Quality of Service (QoS) for these data-intensive services. LTE is based on an
Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (eUTRAN) and an Evolved Packet Core (EPC),
which incorporate new modulation techniques and a flat, all-IP architecture for the efficient delivery
of mobile data services. The LTE network is shown in Figure 2 and discussed in the Alcatel-Lucent
whitepaper, LTE Network Architecture: A comprehensive tutorial [3].
In contrast to 3G networks usage of circuit-switched voice and SMS, plus packet-switched data, an
LTE network is all-IP. All traffic in an LTE system is carried as IP, providing seamless, high-speed
connections between a handset or user equipment (UE), and various packet data networks, such
as the Internet, IMS, and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). The various IP bearers in the LTE
system are assigned specific QoS Class Identifiers (QCIs) that correspond to specific treatment levels
for connection types, priority, delay budgets and packet error loss rates. A single handset or UE may
have multiple IP bearers serving it, where individual bearers serve conversational voice, gaming sessions, streaming video, e-mail or messaging, for example.
Not only does LTE provide a more efficient and therefore more economical network for mobile data,
it also provides enhanced performance for the people who use its services. Gartner depicts LTE as
being well into a broadband-like experience zone, providing data service that was previously only
available on fixed broadband [4].

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

Figure 2. LTE network architecture

S6a

S1-MME

UE

LTE-Uu

eNodeB

eUTRAN

MME

SI-U

S11

S-GW

Cx, Sh

HSS

Gx

S5/S8

P-GW

PCRF

SGii

Rx

IP services:
IMS

EPC

2.2 Subscribers expectations for LTE mobile voice

With LTE providing a broadband-like experience, how does this affect the immense voice revenues
and profits that mobile operators today reap from 2G and 3G services? The erosion in fixed operators
revenues that began approximately ten years ago stemmed from technology competition for their
core voice services. This technology competition came about from both mobile substitution for
fixed voice services plus innovative voice over IP (VoIP) services from ACPs such as Vonage and
Skype. Both of these were so attractive to consumers and enterprises that they changed a century
of past practices and shifted to mobile phones and fixed VoIP services that often came with more
dropped calls, poor mobile voice quality and extra steps needed in order to place a call. But the
new services were important in fundamental ways that outweighed the negatives, such as mobility,
personalization and pricing.
Considering what comes next for mobile voice, what are some key voice factors that appeal to
people? They seek services that:
Provide high-speed Internet access: to preserve LTEs data rates during voice calls
Blend my voice with other services: such as presence, messaging and social networking
Reduce how much I spend on voice: avoid the high fees caused by international calling or
by exceeding monthly usage limits
Move voice quality out of the 1950s: utilize high-definition voice (HD voice) for noisy environments,
speakers of different native languages, whisper privacy, auto-speech recognition, young childrens
high-pitched voices and other such situations
Voice is fundamentally human, yet the mobile voice experience has not made much improvement
over the past 15 years except for price bundling, discounts on volume plans and fewer dropped calls.
This is extremely risky for the mobile operator when we consider the competitive situation created
by LTE. With LTE, the voice competition comes not only from other mobile operators, but also from
ACPs. People spend a lot on voice service. LTE creates a broadband-like experience, comparable to
some digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable modem services, so an ACP, using the mobile Internet,
can readily extend VoIP services much as they did with fixed broadband.
When mobile operators launch the initial LTE data-only services, such as a laptop with an LTE
dongle, there is no guarantee that the LTE-enabled laptop will be used only for data services. An
ACP-provided VoIP service can be readily extended to the laptop. And while the ACPs VoIP
service might suffer from some drawbacks, such as being delivered using best effort data instead of
conversational voice, it will appeal to some key subscribers, just as it has in fixed broadband. Hence,
the initial subscribers to an LTE data-only service could very well be the start of a shift of voice
usage from the mobile operator to an ACP-based service. The people who would most likely begin

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

this shift are those who are most valuable to the mobile operators volume callers, global callers
and young millennials who bring with them the habits of fixed broadband (messaging, social
networking, and free is the new price).
Just as surely as fixed broadband created a new market of alternative voice providers, so too will
mobile broadband. The questions are:
What will the ACPs mobile voice offerings look like?
How will people react to these new services?
Can the mobile operator respond?
2.3 Mobile voice competition
To answer these questions, it is also necessary to consider capabilities that we take for granted
today. A 2G/3G mobile service allows a person to call anyone on the planet who has fixed or mobile
service this is a remarkable accomplishment. The public network has achieved global interconnectivity for voice and texting service. People can travel outside their home network and still access
these same 2G/3G voice and texting services in another networks service area or when they are in
another country. They retain their telephone number while roaming so that even while on vacation
or working elsewhere, their social circle still calls the same number. Given these considerations, lets
examine the various options for LTE services in more detail. A summary is shown in Table 1, and
the points are discussed further in the subsequent text and in Section 3.
Table 1. Services comparison
LTE-based services

ACPs mobile VoIP

Mobile operators CSFB

Mobile operators IMS VoIP

Preserve LTEs data rates during voice calls

Blending

Pricing

Wideband voice

GSMA RCS begins to blend voice

Roaming

Might be prohibitive due to data

roaming tariffs and perhaps the lack
of conversational voice QCI

Global interoperability

Requires the circuit PSTN for

in-calling and out-calling of voice;
other services problematic

Handset variety and supply

Limited requires laptop or

smartphone and software client
installation

ACPs mobile VoIP

Pros: The ACPs mobile VoIP service will resemble their fixed services. The ACPs, such as Skype
and Google, are well versed at blending voice with other services such as messaging, social networking sites, or providing innovative features such as converting voicemail to e-mail. The voice
service is priced relatively low or even free if supported by some alternative revenue source such as
advertising or fees on advanced services. And wideband audio is possible between two users served
by an all-IP path. The typical circuit mobile voice service, using 3GPPs Adaptive Multi-Rate
coder-decoder (AMR CODEC) ranges from 300 to 3400 Hz. In contrast, wideband CODECs
such as 3GPPs AMR-Wideband (AMR-WB) extend the frequency range to 50 to 7000 Hz, and
Skypes SILK CODEC further extends the upper frequency to 12,000 Hz.

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

 Cons: Although technically an ACPs mobile VoIP subscriber could roam anywhere there is a
mobile data connection, the price may be prohibitive due to relatively high-priced data roaming
tariffs. While LTE solves the packet bandwidth problem, if the ACP mobile VoIP user leaves
LTE coverage and encounters either 2G service or over-occupied 3G packet services, they will
not be able to use their packet-based service. Currently, the ACP-based VoIP services have
limited interoperability, requiring the voice calls to transit the circuit PSTN, losing many of
its IP-based service and pricing advantages. Similarly, other services such as video telephony
are not available between two ACPs. The handset supply is limited to devices onto which
a soft client can be installed by the user; this expense and limited selection appeals to a
narrower audience.
Mobile operators CSFB
Pros: With a well developed ecosystem, the subscriber benefits from excellent roaming, global
interoperability and an extensive selection of handsets. Techniques exist for the LTE voice service
to be served by the existing 2G/3G circuit voice network, using 3GPPs Circuit Switched
Fallback (CSFB).
Cons: During a voice call the LTE data service is suspended. Along with the voice, the data
also falls back to 3G which has a lower data rate. If the call falls back to 2G, the data service
is suspended altogether due to a lack of simultaneous voice and data in 2G. Starting from LTE
and falling back to 2G/3G, the voice calls setup delay adds from approximately 1.5 seconds
for 3G to 2.5 seconds for 2G, and adds a further 3 seconds for some calls if the LTE and
2G/3G coverage areas were not precisely engineered to match. The standard 2G/3G circuit
voice service is siloed from other services, in that it is not blended with messaging, presence
or social networking sites. The Global System for Mobile Communications Association Rich
Communication Suite (GSMA RCS [12]) initiative uses IMS to overcome these limits in 3G
to create enhanced services using circuit voice, but aside from this the 2G/3G network does
not readily provide new IP-based services with global interoperability and quality of service,
such as video services require. However, the 2G/3G circuit voice service is relatively high
priced and generally uses narrowband voice (300 Hz to 3800 Hz) because of the prohibitive
cost of implementing AMR-WB CODECs in an end-to-end network. Some exceptions to
that exist, such as Oranges recent launch of HD voice in their newly installed 3G network
in Moldava [5].
Mobile operators IMS VoIP
Pros: IMS VoIP solves the challenges of retaining LTE data rates while in voice calls, avoids
excessive voice call setup delay, provides a flat, all-IP network for operational savings, and
provides the basis for new IP-based services. Furthermore, as championed in the recent One
Voice [6] initiative, IMS VoIP for LTE enables the subscriber to continue benefiting as they
have in 2G/3G with voice and texting services global roaming, interoperability and a wider
selection of handsets, due to the creation of an industry ecosystem. 3GPPs IMS enables voice
to be blended with other services. An early example of this blending is the GSMA RCS initiative. Alcatel-Lucent also extends IMS service creation to the ACP community, enabling
many developers to create innovative IMS applications. With the all-IP LTE network, the old
circuit network is no longer used; instead, the new all-IP services are readily created, such as
video communications and social networking interaction, with standards-based global interoperability. This single, consolidated mobile network enables operational savings. Because it is an
all-IP network, wideband audio service is economically deployable for end-to-end IP connections
where both parties (LTE, 3G packet switched, or fixed broadband) are served by VoIP.

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

 Cons: Although there are no competitive drawbacks to using IMS (unlike the other two methods)
there are challenges. Some operators have already deployed IMS for fixed VoIP, Class 5, or mobile
services such as GSMA RCS, and can therefore readily extend their existing network and
operational investment to LTE VoIP. However, for those who have not, they must construct the
business and deployment plans which support their first usage of IMS, including operational
integration, and providing a method used to ensure ubiquitous voice coverage for areas not
served by LTE.
The ACPs are already providing some initial mobile VoIP services using 3G packet switched networks
prior to LTE. While these do not have a significant market share yet, due to 3Gs limited data bandwidth
and QoS controls, these services will be enhanced with the deployment of 3Gs Enhanced High-Speed
Packet Access (eHSPA) because of its improved 3G packet data service. Already we can see the emergence
of ACP-based mobile VoIP in 3G. During the last quarter of 2009, Apple added the Skype 3G VoIP client
to the iPhones application store for AT&T services [7] and Verizon is partnering with Google for the
Android including Google Voice [8]. This trend is not limited to North America; other examples include:
Hutchison 3s partnership with Skype. Although this uses circuit voice over the radio link,
it provides Skype services such as blending and free Skype-to-Skype calling.
Spice Mobile (India) breaks new ground by having an ACP voice application preloaded on
new handsets. This is provided by Nimbuzz, which provides voice calling, texting, messaging,
file transfer and integration with social networking sites.
T-Mobile (Europe) allows ACP-based VoIP service for a tariff of 9,95 per month.
So why is 3G-based ACP mobile VoIP not more prevalent? There are several factors that are holding
it back. Probably the most important among these are the 3G networks packet-switched QoS.
While fine for content downloading and similar activities, it does not provide sufficient bandwidth
with satisfactory QoS for multiple simultaneous users. Furthermore, because many of the mobile
VoIP services are from ACPs and not the operator or handset vendors, the user must manually
add the VoIP client and set up the service. Finally, operators pricing plans and regulators actions
such as the European Commissions Roaming Regulation relieves some of the price pressure. With
the advent of LTE, the status quo will be upset due to the relative ease with which ACPs can offer
mobile VoIP services in LTE. The emergence of successful ACP VoIP services in LTE could have a
viral effect in extending these services into 3G packet switched networks.
With IMS VoIP from Alcatel-Lucent, the 3G and LTE operator can respond to and exceed the
ACP-based VoIP service. Using IMS VoIP as a base application, innovative services are created,
whether through GSMA RCS, or by leveraging the Alcatel-Lucent extension of IMS services into
the Application Enablement vision of enabling a partnership between the operators and the ACPs.

3. Comparison
The primary methods for LTE voice are recognized as 3GPP IMS and 3GPP Circuit Switched Fallback
(CSFB). Other methods that are non-standard and sometimes focused on a particular operators business and technical challenges are characterized by reusing a 2G/3G circuit core served by LTE packet
access. An operators preferred method will be determined by network capabilities and competitive
challenges. In this section, we briefly explore these various methods. Further discussion is available
in the Alcatel-Lucent whitepaper, Options for Providing Voice over LTE. [9]
How do these methods perform in terms of delivering the subscribers expectations for mobile voice?
Their performance is summarized in Table 2.

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

Table 2. Comparing the methods and expectations

Subscribers expectations

IMS

CSFB

CUSTOM METHODS;
Circuit core, Packet access

Preserve LTEs data rates during voice calls, plus minimize call setup delay

Yes

No

Yes

Global roaming and interoperability

Yes

Yes

Problematic

Blending

Yes

Limited

Limited

Pricing

Yes

No

No

HD voice

Yes

No

No

3.1 IMS
IMS provides VoIP and SMS service in LTE using a fully packet switched network, and is a 3GPP
standard [10] for LTE voice. Unique among the methods, it is the only method that is all-IP. It is the
ultimate destination for LTE voice for nearly all operators, as reported by several analyst firms, such
as Current Analysis, Stratecast, Yankee Group and Infonetics, and embraced by the One Voice
initiatives operators: AT&T, Orange, Telefnica, TeliaSonera, Verizon and Vodafone. Furthermore,
the One Voice initiative transferred to the GSMA in January 2010, showing the global breadth of
support for IMS VoIP in LTE.
Notably, non-voice IMS services such as GSMA RCS are available in all three methods. Regardless
of how voice service is provided, the RCS services such as presence, content sharing and unified
network address book are available for deployment by the operator with all three methods. It is with
IMS VoIP that the subscribers RCS experience is enhanced in LTE. Unlike CSFB, with IMS VoIP
the subscriber retains LTEs higher bandwidth during RCS sessions involving voice, such as video
sharing, instead of falling back to 3G data rates. A wider selection of handsets plus global roaming
is assured with IMS VoIP, unlike VoLGA. Recognizing that GSMA RCS services are becoming table
stakes [18, 19] and are likely to be deployed anyway, the same IMS used for GSMA RCS services can
also be used for IMS VoIP services in LTE.
The primary advantages of IMS voice for LTE are that it
Preserves LTEs bandwidth during voice calls while minimizing call setup delay
Assures global interoperability and roaming
Provides the largest possible ecosystem which affects such matters as handset supply and
multivendor interworking
Provides an all-IP network for operational savings and HD voice
Enables full blending of voice with advanced services beyond GSMA RCS
Because voice and other communications services are under IMS control, operators can construct
competitive services, including partnering with ACPs for services such as blending voice with social
networking sites.
Alcatel-Lucent facilitates this through our Applications Enablement vision and the High Leverage
Network. The value that IMS creates for operators is described by Current Analysis as:
Operators without plans to move to IMS should seriously reconsider that approach and begin to
establish a roadmap for IMS adoption. IMS is a prerequisite for supporting Rich Communication
Suite (RCS)-based services, and is likely to be a prerequisite soon for delivering universal supplemental voice services, such as MMTel. It is doubtful that an operator that is unable to support these
universal services could remain competitive, similar to the way a mobile operator could not compete
in todays market if it offered only proprietary SMS services. [18]

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

Figure 3 depicts an IMS VoIP deployment for LTE. Details on how this and the other two solutions
are deployed plus their functioning are contained in Options for Providing Voice over LTE [9].
Figure 3. IMS VoIP

HSS

MGC

Telephony
server

RCS, others
SRVCC
app server
SMS center

MGW

IMS core

SRVCC only
needed for 2G/3G
CS handoff

IMS core and applications

Services
IMS VoIP, SMS
GSMA RCS
Voice blending
Video telephony
Others

PDN GW

PCRF

MSC server

MGW

SGW

MME

GGSN

SGSN

Data retains LTEs

bandwidth during
voice calls

Evolved packet core

Extensible
to 3G packet
switched

Network change
IMS (new
or reuse)
SRVCC if 2G/3G
circuit voice
needed
MME software
and interfaces
eUTRAN
software and
interfaces plus
VoIP QoS
IMS client

Circuit core; packet core

IMS voice
2G/3G

LTE
eUTRAN

GERAN/UTRAN

Terminal: IMS client

Terminal: IMS client

and SRVCC client

This implementation is the only all-IP method. It enables the full spectrum of IMS services, including
GSMA RCS, blending voice with other services including social networking, rich multimedia communications such as video telephony and wideband audio (HD voice). Because the LTE device remains in
LTE coverage, the LTEs high bandwidth and QoS are retained, even during voice calls (unlike CSFB).
As for the network deployment, all three solutions have some effects that are similar. All require a
voice client on the LTE device. All affect the EPCs Mobility Management Entity (MME). Of course
the significant difference with IMS is that the IMS infrastructure must be deployed and integrated
into the operators network and operations. If the operator already has an IMS (such as for fixed
VoIP, Class 5 or GSMA RCS) this is readily extended to LTE. If not, the operator must undertake
the planning and business justification needed to support the deployment, justified by the additional
revenues from new services and offset by the operational expense savings of a flat, all-IP network.

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

As for roaming and handoff between LTE and legacy mobiles 2G/3G circuit switched voice, SRVCC
is needed if the operator does not have complete LTE coverage or is not able to plug the gaps in
coverage with adequate 3G packet switched (3G PS) coverage, or when roaming globally. The
eUTRAN must include the enhancements to serve VoIP, such as robust header compression and
semi-persistent scheduling.
3.2 CSFB
Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB) provides voice service for LTE by reusing the existing 2G/3G
network and is a 3GPP standard [10] for providing voice for LTE (see Figure 4). It is an interim
method preferred by most operators who do not yet have an IMS infrastructure for their initial LTE
launch. The 2G/3G network is reused so that the initial LTE deployment focuses solely on providing
an improved mobile data service, such as LTE as a data-overlay. The mobile devices are normally
served by LTE for the data services. During voice calls, the mobile device reverts or falls back to
2G/3G service, suspending LTE data service; and due to the limitation of only one active radio at
a time in the handset, falls back to either 3G data rates or, in the case of of fallback to 2G, suspends
the data service altogether due to 2Gs lack of simultaneous voice and data. Hence voice service
is readily provided for LTE, though with service limitations; CSFB provides complete and transparent service to current 2G/3G services, though without supporting much further IP communication
services beyond GSMA RCS.
The primary advantages of CSFB voice for LTE are that it is readily deployable for those operators
who have not already deployed IMS, and that it provides complete feature transparency to current
2G/3G services, including global roaming and interoperability.

Figure 4. CSFB voice

SMS center

HSS

Core network applications

Services
2G/3G voice, SMS
GSMA RCS
Others

PDN GW

SGW

Data reverts to
2G/3G service
during voice calls

MSC server

MME

GGSN

Evolved packet core

MGW

SGSN

Network change
MSC software
and interfaces
MME software
and interfaces
CSFB client

Circuit core; packet core

Legacy
voice
LTE

2G/3G
eUTRAN

GERAN/UTRAN

Terminal: CSFB client

Terminal: CSFB client

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

By relying on the existing 2G/3G circuit core, the CSFB method assures the ready availability of
legacy mobile voice services. If IMS is deployed for non-voice services, services such as GSMA RCS
will be available also. However, this method suffers from two notable service drawbacks: during a
voice call, the mobile devices data service is de-rated from LTE back to 2G/3G data rates and QoS
because there are two radios in the device, but only one (LTE or 2G/3G) may be active. The second
drawback is the increased call setup time that is required for the device to switch from LTE to 2G/3G
service, which ranges from approximately 1.5 seconds for 3G to 2.5 seconds for 2G, with perhaps a
further 3-second delay for some calls if the LTE and 2G/3G coverage areas are not precisely aligned.
As for the network deployment, CSFB does avoid IMS VoIPs deployment and integration. However,
CSFB also requires clients on the devices and upgrades to the mobility management entity (MME),
plus the eUTRAN (though not as extensive because it need not serve VoIPs QoS requirements). A
key consideration is that all Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) in the serving area must be upgraded
with a software release in order to accommodate interworking of the CSFB calls between LTE and
2G/3G. Those operators who deploy and integrate IMS for GSMA RCS service are well positioned
to extend that same IMS to provide VoIP in LTE, allowing them to bypass CSFB.
3.3 Custom methods (circuit core, LTE packet access)
These methods provide voice service in LTE by reusing the existing circuit 2G/3G MSC, with voice
provided as VoIP over the LTE radio link and packet core; however, it is interworked to the circuit
MSC either using an interworking function or by adding a VoIP telephony server to the MSC. These
methods are not 3GPP standards. One such example is VoLGA, whose specification is provided
by the VoLGA Forum [11], and is an interim method selected by very few operators because of the
needs of their networks and business environments. It is particularly useful to operators who have
a predominantly 2G network, because it enables simultaneous voice and data services they cannot
offer without LTE.
Similar to CSFB, these custom methods, illustrated in Figure 5, reuse the existing 2G/3G network,
but the difference is that voice is carried as VoIP over the radio links; and so the LTE device can
use only one radio for both voice and data services, remaining entirely on LTE radio access instead
of falling back to 2G/3G radios. This means LTEs high data rates are always available, even during
voice calls. Hence, these methods provide voice service for LTE, but with limitations on global
roaming and interoperability, and a limited selection of handsets because of the lack of a significant
subscriber base when compared to IMS VoIP and CSFB.
Although VoIP is used over the radio link, voice is converted to circuit in the middle. Hence the
benefits that subscribers of IMS VoIP and ACP-based voice obtain with all-IP are not available. For
example, wideband audio and services such as video telephony that rely on an end-to-end IP path
will not work.
As for the network deployment, these custom methods defer IMS deployment and integration, but
like CSFB, require the deployment of new network elements or significant upgrades to existing network elements that are done only to provide legacy voice service. Similar to IMS VoIP and CSFB, the
custom methods also require a voice client for the device, but are further challenged by the relatively
small subscriber base that these methods will attract, which limits the ability of handset manufacturers to provide a wide selection of handsets. Also similar with the other two solutions, they may require
additional capabilities in the MME and eUTRAN. Similar to IMS VoIP, the eUTRAN must support
VoIP. Those operators who deploy and integrate IMS for GSMA RCS service are well positioned to
extend that same IMS to provide VoIP in LTE, allowing them to bypass these methods.

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Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

Figure 5. Custom methods: Circuit core, packet access (VoLGA used as an example)

SMS center

HSS

Core network applications

Services
2G/3G voice, SMS
GSMA RCS
Others

PDN GW AAA server VANC

SGW
Data retains LTEs
bandwidth during
voice calls

MME

MSC server

MGW

GGSN

SGSN

Security
GW

Evolved packet core

Circuit core; packet core

Network change
VANC, AAA
server, security
gateway
MME software
and interfaces
eUTRAN
software and
interfaces
plus VoIP QoS
VOLGA client

Legacy
voice
LTE

2G/3G
eUTRAN

GERAN/UTRAN

Terminal: VoLGA client

Terminal: VoLGA client

3.4 Summarizing the three methods and recommendations

IMS provides the superior method for LTE voice and SMS because of what it enables:
The widest ecosystem, based on One Voice, assuring the subscribers global roaming and
interoperability and the widest selection of LTE devices
Competitive services, such as full blending of voice with other services and wideband audio
Partnering with the ACPs for the mid- and long-tail of applications
All-IP network operational savings
Individual operators network environments and competitive business situations may cause them
to consider other methods. Table 3 summarizes the pros and cons of the methods; these factors
and impacts on network deployment are further discussed in Options for Providing Voice over
LTE and Their Impact on the GSM/UMTS Network [9].

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

11

Table 3. Comparison of impacts on the network

Service and deployment factors

IMS VoIP

CSFB

Custom methods
(circuit core, packet
access)

Converged service control across fixed and mobile, voice, RCS and others?

Yes

No

No

3GPP standards
Roaming, global interoperability
Ecosystem of network and handset vendors

Yes

Yes

No

Flat all-IP operational benefits

Yes

No

No

Avoid LTE network upgrade for voice with LTE?

No

No

No

Avoid 2G/3G MSC network upgrade for voice with LTE?

Yes (VoIP in LTE and 3G PS)

No

Varies

Relative initial CAPEX

Most

Least

Some

4. The Path to LTE and the One Voice Initiative

Given these justifications for using IMS VoIP and SMS in LTE, the popular question is why arent
more operators implementing it earlier? Several factors drive this behavior.
First is the operators urgent need to improve mobile data services, in terms of the bandwidth for an
individual subscriber and the total bandwidth available to aggregate simultaneous users in the cells
sector. Early efforts are focused on LTE as a data overlay, followed by voice and other services.
Second is the availability of the end-to-end ecosystem. Most apparent was the question of when LTE
devices such as smartphones and mass market phones with IMS voice clients would be available. The
readiness of the network vendors and global roaming and interoperability were also critical. These
reasons are why operators and vendors created One Voice: to foster a solution and promote the ecosystems availability.
The One Voice initiative uses the 3GPPs currently available, open standards and defines the minimum
mandatory set of functionality and options for interoperable IMS-based voice and SMS services in LTE.
No new standards were created. Instead, this alignment on a common set of requirements enables the
operators, handset vendors and network vendors to create and deploy services more quickly. This avoids
the fragmentation of the global mobile network, which would risk the ability for global roaming and
interoperability that people today enjoy with the 2G/3G networks.
One Voice created a technical profile covering the aspects that touch upon IMS-based VoIP and
SMS across the LTE devices, eUTRAN, EPC and IMS. It aids the timely establishment of an industry
ecosystem across handset manufacturers, network equipment vendors and service providers.
IMS enables many sophisticated services based on many specifications, often with multiple options
for enabling the same function. Not all of these many standards are necessary in order to provide
the initial IMS VoIP and SMS in LTE service. Therefore, the One Voice initiative defines a common,
recommended feature set and selects a recommended option when multiple options exist.
The One Voice technical profile is recommended but not mandatory. Anyone is free to use or not
use it; and anyone is free to build further services on top of it. The technical profile provides cost
and time-to-market advantages by establishing an industry ecosystem such that:
Handset manufacturers and software client vendors can provide a wider variety of LTE handsets
equipped with IMS VoIP and SMS by building toward a larger, well defined market
Network equipment manufacturers can build their systems to a common target, reducing the
need for always applying customization, unless required by an operator

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Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

 Service providers can more readily perform interoperability testing (IOT) across handsets,
network vendors and between networks
Subscribers obtain the benefits of global roaming and interoperability, as they do today with
2G and 3G services
The One Voice initiative transferred to the GSMA during January 2010.

5. Alcatel-Lucent leadership
LTE is a tremendous opportunity and a tremendous undertaking full of challenges that span technology, business and planning. The Alcatel-Lucent value to operators is that we offer LTE, IMS and
professional services.
5.1 Alcatel-Lucent end-to-end LTE
Alcatel-Lucent has established an early leadership position in LTE, selected by Verizon Wireless
one of the worlds first movers in LTE as a key supplier for the operators planned LTE deployment.
Alcatel-Lucent was chosen as a supplier for all areas of the operators LTE network radio access,
IMS and Evolved Packet Core (EPC). [13]
Alcatel-Lucent is engaged in many LTE trials around the world involving LTE Time Division
Duplex (TDD) (known commonly as TD-LTE) and LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD).
Alcatel-Lucent is bringing its leadership in broadband service delivery to drive the transition to
all-IP wireless broadband, with LTE as a key step in this transition. LTE is therefore a strategic
investment area for the company.
Alcatel-Lucent is fully committed to providing its customers with an industry leading end-to-end
LTE solution. The Alcatel-Lucent Ultimate Wireless Broadband end-to-end solution [14] enables
wireless and converged service providers to advance their business, operational model and end-to-end
network. It provides an end-to-end LTE network with a full set of radio, packet core, mobile backhaul
and IMS products, transformation and integration services, plus the ng Connect open ecosystem
of devices, content and application partners. This solution leverages the Alcatel-Lucent broadband
and IP market leadership to deliver unprecedented scalability, quality of experience, business agility
and controlled network costs.
Alcatel-Lucent recently announced that FT/Orange has selected Alcatel-Lucent for an LTE field
trial in both FDD and TDD modes. This technical trial, which is attempting to gain full assessment of the end-to-end performance of LTE, will take place in the southern region of Paris, using
the Alcatel-Lucent e-nodeBs and evolved packet core. Alcatel-Lucent was also invited to participate
in LTE trials by Telefnica and Etisalat [15] and Bouygues [16]. To date, the Alcatel-Lucent LTE
solution has been selected by operators for trials around the globe, including both lab and field trials
with Tier 1 operators in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
5.2 Alcatel-Lucent end-to-end IMS
Service providers are looking for ways to minimize expenses while optimizing value. At the same
time, end-user demand is increasing for innovative services and anytime access from any location,
often available already in the form of Internet-based applications. It is this demand for new services
and the threat of over-the-top competition that is driving network transformation to IMS.
Different network transformation strategies exist, many service providers are starting with enhanced
services such as the GSMA RCS services (such as presence, address book, messaging, file and content
sharing). Other service providers that offer wireline services are starting with consumer VoIP or migrating
off of their aging Class-5 networks. The Alcatel-Lucent End-to-End IMS solution [17] (see Figure 6) allows
service providers to start with any combination of services, adding new ones as the market warrants.
Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

13

Alcatel-Lucent is a clear leader in the IMS space, holding more than 45 end-to-end references
including AT&T, the worlds largest live IMS deployment. Alcatel-Lucent IMS spans the applications that service providers need, from fixed consumer VoIP (AT&T), fixed business VoIP (Belgacom),
Class-5 Migration (Enitel) and Enhanced Communications Services (AT&T Video Share) to the
Rich Communication Suite (Bouygues Telecom).
The Alcatel-Lucent Services Group has been paramount in the planning, preparation and execution
of these deployments. They have also helped many operators transform networks beyond an IMS
scenario. Therefore, carriers can benefit from the breadth and depth of this experience in all phases
of a network transformation to IMS. This spans product readiness; planning; program management;
large network operation, growth, and maintenance; and more. The field-proven capability on both
the product and services sides benefits carriers looking to transform their network with minimal risk.
Service providers can select Alcatel-Lucent as their IMS provider with confidence, knowing our IMS
has the reliability, flexibility, scalability and applications support to carry them well into the future.
A leader in next-generation networks (NGN) and IMS, Alcatel-Lucent has deployed IP/NGN products
in more than 275 fixed and mobile networks, and we are involved in more than 45 full IMS network
transformation projects.
Figure 6. Alcatel-Lucent End-to-End IMS solution

Common session control across fixed and

wireless providing seamless service access
and mobility

Alcatel-Lucent end-to-end IMS

From voice to rich multimedia communications

enabling seamless service interworking
across service provider networks

Converged
service control

TDM

GPON/DSL

Mobile
M
bil

Converged
RAN

POTS/
ISDN

Converged
wireline access

Converged
metro and aggregation

Converged
edge

Converged service-aware network management

Consumer and business 3G RCS, LTE,

VoIP/enhanced
femto, WiMAX
communications
and more

Converged
backbone

Rapid, economical service innovation

with massive application scaling

Alcatel-Lucent IMS powers competitive multimedia communication services

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Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

6. Conclusion
In this paper we examined the methods for providing voice and SMS service with LTE: IMS, Circuit
Switched Fallback, plus non-standard custom methods characterized by a 2G/3G circuit core, served
by an LTE packet access. The three options competitive dynamics and network effects were assessed,
leading to the conclusion that IMS provides the superior service because it best enables the operator
to create innovative services, realize all-IP operational savings, and makes it possible to collaborate
with ACPs.
By understanding the benefits that each option provides, and understanding the transformation
that is necessary as described in Options for Providing Voice over LTE and Their Impact on the
GSM/UMTS Network [9], operators can make better informed decisions about how and when
to implement voice in LTE.
By virtue of Alcatel-Lucent end-to-end service offerings, we are a contributor to all three options.
With our experienced employees and proven track record in wireless and IMS projects, we are
uniquely positioned to aid your transformation to LTE. With the most comprehensive portfolio of
telecommunications products and services in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent has the expertise, products,
services and global reach that have won us a leadership role in the LTE evolution. We provide:
A global LTE offer with service continuity and integration for 2G/3G networks, leveraging
our unique expertise in 2G/3G standards, LTE trial leadership with major operators, and
active participation in leading LTE organizations and forums
An unmatched end-to-end LTE solution that leverages our market leadership in next-generation
IP transformation and service delivery, recognized expertise in packet transport, industry leadership
in IMS service delivery platforms, next-generation wireless access technologies and Alcatel-Lucent
Bell Labs innovations, such as self-optimized networks, next-generation multiple-input multipleoutput (MIMO)
A broad and open ecosystem of compelling devices and applications

7. Contacts
For more information on Alcatel-Lucent IMS in LTE solutions, please visit www.alcatel-lucent.com
or contact your Customer Team representative.
You can also contact Alcatel-Lucent Marketing or Public Relations:
Ed Elkin: IMS Marketing
Ed.Elkin@alcatel-lucent.com
+1 630 224 8491
Wim Van Daele: Public Relations
Wim.Van_Daele@alcatel-lucent.com
+32 3 2404601

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

15

8. Acronyms
2G

Second Generation

3G

Third Generation

3GPP

Third Generation Partnership Project

3G PS

3G packet switched

ACP

Application and Content Provider

AMR

Adaptive Multi-Rate

AMR-WB

AMR-Wideband

CAPEX

capital expenditures

CDN

Content Delivery Network

CODEC

coder-decoder

CSFB

Circuit Switched Fallback

DSL

digital subscriber line

eHSPA

Enhanced High-Speed Packet Access

EPC

Evolved Packet Core

eUTRAN

Enhanced UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network

FDD

Frequency Division Duplex

GSM

Global System for Mobile telecommunications

GSMA

GSM Association

HD voice

high-definition voice

IMS

IP Multimedia Subsystem

IOT

interoperability testing

LTE

Long Term Evolution

MIMO

multiple input-multiple output

MME

mobility management entity

MSC

Mobile Switching Center

NGN

next-generation network

QCI

Quality Class Identifier

QoS

Quality of Service

RCS

Rich Communication Suite

SMS

Short Message Service

TDD

Time Division Duplex

UE

user equipment

UMTS

Universal Mobile Telephone System

VANC

VoLGA Access Network Controller

VoIP

Voice over IP

VoLGA

Voice over LTE Generic Access

9. References
[1] Forecast: Mobile Services, 2004-2013, Gartner, June to September 2009
[2] North America Mobile Data Forecast, Pyramid, December 2009
[3] The LTE Network Architecture: A comprehensive tutorial, Alcatel-Lucent, CPG0599090904
(12), December 2009, http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/ocumentStreamerServlet?LMSG_
CABINET=Docs_and_Resource_Ctr&LMSG_CONTENT_FILE=White_Papers/
CPG0599090904_LTE_Network_Architecture_EN_StraWhitePaper.pdf
[4] Dataquest Insight: LTE Market Update, Gartner, September 25, 2009
[5] Orange launches worlds first high-definition voice service for mobile phones in Moldava,
September 10, 2009, http://www.orange.com/en_EN/press/press_releases/cp090910en.jsp

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Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

[6] Global Telecom Companies Announce a Standards Based Solution for Voice and SMS
Services over LTE, Verizon et al, http://news.vzw.com/news/2009/11/pr2009-11-03a.html
[7] AT&T Extends VoIP to 3G Network for iPhone, AT&T, October 6, 2009,
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=27207
[8] Verizon opens door to Android, Google Voice, Fierce Wireless, October 6, 2009,
http://www.fiercewireless.com/ctialive/story/verizon-opens-door-android-googlevoice/2009-10-06
[9] Options for Providing Voice over LTE and Their Impact on the GSM/UMTS Network,
Alcatel-Lucent, CPG1649091001 (11), August 2009, http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/
DocumentStreamerServlet?LMSG_CABINET=Docs_and_Resource_Ctr&LMSG_
CONTENT_FILE=White_Papers/CPG1649091001_Options_for_Providing_Voice_as_
LTE_is_Introduced_EN_StraWhitePaper.pdf
[10] 3GPP (http://www.3gpp.org/Specification-Numbering)
23.216: Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC)
23.221: Architectural requirements
23.228: IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
23.237: IMS Service Continuity (ISC)
23.272: CS Fallback
23.292: IMS Centralized Services (ICS)
23.401: GPRS Enhancements for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network
(E-UTRAN) Access
23.879: Study on Circuit (CS) Domain Services over Evolved packet Switched (PS) Access
[11] VoLGA Forum. http://www.volga-forum.com/
[12] GSMA Rich Communication Suite.
http://www.gsmworld.com/our-work/mobile_lifestyle/rcs/gsma_rcs_project.htm
[13] Verizon LTE press release, February 18, 2009. http://all.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/
kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLt4w3czLXL8h2VAQA9ypdMQ!!?LMSG_
CABINET=Docs_and_Resource_Ctr&LMSG_CONTENT_FILE=News_Releases_2009/
News_Article_001451.xml
[14] Alcatel-Lucent Ultimate Wireless Broadband End to End LTE Solution,
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzK
Ld4w3dnTUL8h2VAQAvhWwcA!!?LMSG_CABINET=Solution_Product_Catalog&LMSG_
CONTENT_FILE=Solutions/Solution2_Detail_000119.xml
[15] Telefnica, Etisalat, FT/Orange, NTT DoCoMo LTE press release, November 19, 2009.
http://all.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLt
4w3czLXL8h2VAQA9ypdMQ!!?LMSG_CABINET=Docs_and_Resource_Ctr&LMSG_
CONTENT_FILE=News_Releases_2009/News_Article_001869.xml
[16] Bouygues LTE press release, December 8, 2009. http://all.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/portal/
!ut/p/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLt4w3czLXL8h2VAQA9ypdMQ!!?LM
SG_CABINET=Docs_and_Resource_Ctr&LMSG_CONTENT_FILE=News_Releases_2009/
News_Article_001890.xml
[17] Alcatel-Lucent End to End IMS Solution, http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/
kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLd4w3dnTUL8h2VAQAvhWwcA!!?LMSG_
CABINET=Solution_Product_Catalog&LMSG_CONTENT_FILE=Solutions/Solution2_
Detail_000044.xml
[18] One Voice Initiative: Clearing a Path for IMS-based Voice over LTE, Joe McGarvey, Current
Analysis, November 5, 2009
[19] RCS Market Outlook, Diane Myers, Infonetics, May 5, 2009

Whats Next for Mobile Voice? | Strategic White Paper

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