IHS expects VoLTE subs to reach 310M by the end of 2016
The number of Voice-over LTE users worldwide is expected to reach 1 billion by 2020, according to research firm IHS, which said there were 185 million VoLTE users at the end of last year. Most of these users were based in Japan, South Korea and the U.S.
IHS predicted that the number of VoLTE subscribers will reach 310 million by the end of 2016
According to IHS and the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, 23 LTE networks have been upgraded to offer VoLTE technology so far this year, giving a global total of 63.
“There are currently 500 commercial LTE networks in the world, and every single network will eventually support VoLTE, as it is inevitable that voice will go to LTE,” IHS said in a research note.
The firm predicts that revenue from VoLTE services will reach $6.3 billion by 2020, with North America accounting for almost half of that sum.
At that time, Asia Pacific will have three times more VoLTE users than North America, but revenue will be 13% lower, IHS predicted.
Telenor launches Wi-Fi calling trial in Denmark
In related news, Danish mobile operator Telenor has started a trial of Wi-Fi calling technology.
During the pilot period, Wi-Fi calling will be available to users with the Apple iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S and 6S Plus handsets, with more compatible devices to follow, the operator said.
“We are close to having the technology ready, although there are many different factors that can affect the use and experience of Wi-Fi calling,” Peter Ditlev Nodbak, Telenor’s network director, said. “Therefore, we are now testing the technology among our customers, so we can gain experience before the actual launch later this year.”
The operator also said its LTE network currently covers 94% of all Danish households. Telenor initially launched LTE in March 2013 through spectrum in the 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands.
