What You Need to Know About IMS and VoLTE in MVNOs

IMS and VoLTE change how a mvno gives voice and multimedia services. These technologies let users have better calls, video, and messaging on IP networks. The table below shows how IMS and VoLTE make service better and help mvnos compete:

IPLOOK’s MVNO Solution makes setup easy and helps businesses grow fast.

Key Takeaways

• IMS and VoLTE make voice and multimedia services better for MVNOs. This helps users have a nicer experience.
• VoWi-Fi over IMS lets people make clear voice calls on Wi-Fi. This makes talking to others easier and smoother.
• Local traffic offload helps MVNOs spend less money. This means they can give customers better prices.
• MVNOs can make special pricing plans with IMS and VoLTE. This helps them be different from other companies.
• VoLTE gives very good voice calls and quick connections. This makes customers happier with the service.
• IMS lets MVNOs offer things like video calling and RCS messaging. These are extra features for users.
• Cloud-based IMS solutions help MVNOs save money and start services fast. They do not need to spend a lot at first.
• When MVNOs focus on good service and new features, they can get more customers and keep them.

IMS and VoLTE Basics

What is IMS?

IMS is a system that helps send voice and multimedia over IP networks. It has important parts that work together. The Call Session Control Function (CSCF) handles calls and messages. The Home Subscriber Server (HSS) keeps user info safe. Application Servers let people use voice and video calling. The Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW) links users to other IP networks.

Core Functions

IMS does many jobs in a mobile network:

• It makes sure calls and messages go to the right person.
• It keeps user data safe, like profiles and choices.
• It lets people use voice, video, and messaging services.
• It connects users to other networks for more communication.

Here is a table that shows the main parts and what they do:

Role in Mobile Networks

IMS is the main system for new ways to talk. It helps mobile virtual network operators offer cool services without building everything themselves. IMS lets people have good voice and multimedia on LTE and 5G networks. It also helps users stay connected when they travel.

What is VoLTE?

VoLTE is a way to make voice calls using 4G LTE networks. It does not use old systems. VoLTE sends voice as data packets. This makes calls sound better and connect faster.

How It Works

VoLTE uses IMS to handle calls. When someone calls, the system turns voice into data packets. These packets move over the LTE network to the other person. The network uses things like HSS for profiles, Online Charging System for credit, and gateways for voice and data.

User Benefits

VoLTE gives users many good things:

• It has clear, high-quality voice calls.
• It uses smart audio codecs for real sound.
• Calls connect quickly, usually under two seconds.
• Users can talk and use data at the same time.

Why IMS and VoLTE Matter for MVNOs

IMS and VoLTE are very important for mobile virtual network operators. IMS lets them give good voice on LTE and 5G networks. Moving from old systems to IP-based tech helps MVNOs offer better services. It also helps them compete with others. With IMS and VoLTE, MVNOs can give users fast, clear, and reliable communication.

IMS and VoLTE in MVNO Deployments

Enabling Advanced Voice Services

IMS and VoLTE help MVNOs offer better voice and multimedia services. These tools let operators give users new ways to talk and share. The table below lists advanced voice services that MVNOs can provide with IMS and VoLTE:

VoLTE, VoNR, VoWiFi

VoLTE lets people make calls that sound clear on LTE. VoNR brings voice calls to 5G networks. VoWiFi lets users call over Wi-Fi when cell service is weak. These services use data networks to send voice. This means users get better sound and faster calls. MVNOs can use these features to be as good as or better than regular operators.

Multimedia and Roaming

IMS and VoLTE do more than just voice calls. They let users send pictures, videos, and messages with RCS. These tools also help when users travel. People want good voice service even in other countries. VoLTE roaming lets IMS work outside the home network. MVNOs can give the same good service in many places. Not all operators have roaming, so MVNOs that do can be special. IMS and VoLTE help MVNOs give smooth multimedia and roaming to users.

Note: VoLTE works best on all-IP LTE networks. It gives clear voice calls that help MVNOs compete. Many people cannot use VoLTE when they travel. MVNOs can help by offering VoLTE roaming.

Differentiation Through IMS

IMS lets MVNOs make their services unique. It gives them control over how they offer voice and multimedia. This control helps them give better service and be stronger in the market.

Service Quality

IMS handles multimedia sessions in one place. This makes the network work better. Users have fewer problems and get better service. IMS connects mobile and fixed networks. People can use calls and video chats from any device. MVNOs can add new features fast, like video calling, without changing everything.

Competitive Edge

IMS and VoLTE help MVNOs compete with big companies. They can offer great voice calls, cool messaging, and roaming worldwide. IPLOOK’s MVNO Solution supports these features. It helps MVNOs start new services without spending a lot. The platform works in many places and supports lots of users. MVNOs can use this to grow and change with the market.

Tip: By using IMS and VoLTE, MVNOs can offer better services, improve reliability, and reach more people. This helps them stand out from others.

MVNO Deployment Options

Hosted vs. Cloud IMS

On-Premises vs. Cloud

MVNOs can pick on-premises or cloud-based IMS. On-premises IMS means the operator owns and runs all the hardware and software. They keep everything in their own data centers. This gives them more control. But it costs more money and needs skilled workers. Cloud IMS uses virtual tools instead of real equipment. Operators do not have to buy or fix machines. Cloud IMS is popular because it saves money. It also helps start new services faster. Many small operators like cloud IMS to spend less and launch quickly. Cloud solutions also help MVNOs change fast when they need to.

Scalability and Redundancy

Scalability means the network can grow easily. A good IMS lets operators add more users without trouble. Redundancy means the network keeps working if something breaks. IPLOOK’s MVNO Solution has both scalability and redundancy. The platform can support millions of subscribers and many users at once. Geo-redundant data centers and a 1+1 system keep things running well. Operators can move to 5G for better voice and data when ready. This makes it easy for MVNOs to grow and stay strong.

Integration with MNOs

Partnering Models

MVNOs can team up with mobile network operators in different ways. The table below shows some common models:

A full-mvno runs its own core network and services. This gives the most freedom and control. Other models, like branded reseller or light-MVNO, are easier to set up but give less control.

Multi-Tenant Support

Multi-tenant support means one system can serve many operators at once. IPLOOK’s MVNO Solution uses this kind of setup. This lets many MVNOs and MNOs share the same system. Their data and services stay separate. Each operator can make special plans and features for their users. Multi-tenant support also helps operators grow into new markets faster.

Note: Using IMS and VoLTE together can be hard. Many operators, especially small ones, find it tough. Cloud IMS makes things easier and helps launch new voice services.

Cost and Challenges for MVNOs

Cost Factors

CAPEX vs OPEX

MVNOs have to think about different costs when using IMS and VoLTE. There are two main types of costs: CAPEX and OPEX. CAPEX means money spent on things like equipment and building the network. OPEX is the money needed to keep everything working every day.

• High CAPEX and OPEX can make starting new voice services hard for MVNOs.
• Changing from old systems to new ones costs extra money.
• MVNOs need to hire skilled workers, which adds to the cost.
• Waiting too long to upgrade old systems can make things riskier and more expensive.

Using IMS and VoLTE can help MVNOs spend less on CAPEX and OPEX than old voice systems. Cloud-native systems need less hardware and use less power. This helps lower the cost to run the network. Some IMS cores only need a little computer power. This means MVNOs pay less for hardware and energy. Moving to 4G and 5G networks also makes voice services cheaper.

Licensing and Support

Licensing and support are also important costs. MVNOs must pay for software licenses to use IMS and VoLTE. They also need support contracts to keep services working well. These costs change depending on how many users and how big the network is. MVNOs should plan for these costs when starting new voice and data services.

Common Challenges

Interoperability

Interoperability is a big challenge for MVNOs. They must connect their systems to mobile network operators. This can be hard and needs careful planning and testing. If there are problems, voice and data services may not work well. As more people use the network, MVNOs need to make it bigger. This can bring new technical problems.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance is another challenge for MVNOs. They must follow rules from the government and industry groups. These rules tell them how to handle user data and give voice services. Meeting these rules takes time and money. MVNOs must keep up with new rules to avoid trouble. They also need to make sure their services follow all laws.

Note: MVNOs who know about these costs and challenges can make better plans for IMS and VoLTE.

Service Differentiation for MVNOs

Unique Offerings with IMS and VoLTE

HD Voice, Video, RCS

MVNOs use IMS and VoLTE to give HD voice and video calls. IMS is the base for VoLTE. VoLTE lets operators offer clear voice calls. This technology makes calls sound good and connect fast. MVNOs can also offer Rich Communication Services. RCS makes messaging better with things like audio and video chats. It adds screen sharing and online meetings too. These features help business customers work together. IMS supports many multimedia services at once. MVNOs use this to make new ways to earn money and offer more than just basic calls.

Tip: MVNOs that offer HD voice and video calls stand out. Customers notice better call quality and cool messaging features.

Personalized Plans

MVNOs can make special plans for different groups. IMS lets operators control what they offer. They can create packages that fit what people need. For example, MVNOs can build roaming options for travelers. They can make special plans for business users too. These plans may have unlimited HD voice calls or video meetings. They may include better messaging. MVNOs use flexible business models to meet unique needs. This helps customers feel happy and loyal. People who find plans that fit them are more likely to stay.

Competing Beyond Price

MVNOs compete by offering more than just low prices. IMS and VoLTE give them tools to offer better services. They can reach new markets. The table below shows how MVNOs stand out:

MVNOs use IMS and VoLTE to give special services and react fast to changes. They can launch new features quickly. They do not have to wait for bigger operators. This freedom helps MVNOs build their brand and get loyal customers. MVNOs also make cheap roaming packages for travelers and small groups. These choices make customers happy and help MVNOs keep users.

Note: MVNOs that focus on service quality and new ideas get a strong spot in the market. They attract customers who want more than just low prices.

Competitive Strategy and Future Growth

Market Positioning

Branding and Independence

MVNOs that use IMS and VoLTE can build their brand in new ways. These tools give operators more control over their services and how customers feel. They do not have to spend a lot of money on hard systems. Instead, they can work on what makes them special.

• IMS and VoLTE help MVNOs spend less money at the start. This means they can focus more on making customers happy.
• Operators can follow the law for things like lawful interception. This gives them more trust and control.
• Modular solutions let MVNOs grow and change when the market does.
• New core systems help MVNOs give strong service without spending a lot at first.
• Fully managed platforms make daily work easier. MVNOs can then focus on being different from others.

These ideas show what MVNOs can do with good technology. They can make a brand that means quality and trust.

Long-Term Opportunities

IMS and VoLTE help MVNOs grow for a long time. More people want better voice calls and faster service. The market for VoLTE gets bigger as 4G and 5G spread.

• By May 2025, 375 operators will use VoLTE in 156 countries. This shows the industry is growing fast.
• Moving from old 2G and 3G to VoLTE keeps services working and makes networks better.
• Experts think VoLTE will have 6.3 billion users by the end of 2024.

MVNOs that use these tools can stay ahead. They can give new services and reach more people as the market grows.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Many MVNOs used IMS and VoLTE to get better results. Some started HD voice and video calls that brought in new users. Others made special plans for travelers and businesses. These things helped them stand out in a busy market.

Operators who picked flexible systems grew quickly. They could add new features without changing everything. Customers saw better call quality and more steady service. These stories show what MVNOs can do with the right tools and plan.

 

IPLOOK’s MVNO solution success story

Cases

MVNO Market Research Report

• MVNO Market Analysis and Outlook
• Market Development Trends for 5G Core Networks
• Growth Opportunities for MVNOs in Emerging Markets
• Mobile Network Coverage in Africa and the Middle East
• Market Analysis of Mobile Virtual Network Operators in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe

 

IMS and VoLTE help MVNOs give better voice and multimedia. These tools let operators be different from others. MVNOs can use IPLOOK’s MVNO Solution to set up fast. They can make new services and try out new features. MVNOs should focus on what makes them special. Good service and new technology will help them do well.

FAQ

What is IMS in mobile networks?

IMS stands for IP Multimedia Subsystem. It helps mobile operators give voice, video, and messaging over IP networks. IMS makes talking and sharing easier and more reliable for users.

What does VoLTE mean for MVNOs?

VoLTE means Voice over LTE. It lets MVNOs offer clear voice calls on 4G networks. Users get faster call setup and better sound than older systems.

What services can MVNOs offer with IMS and VoLTE?

MVNOs can give HD voice calls, video calling, RCS, and voice over Wi-Fi. These services help MVNOs get more customers and compete with big operators.

What makes cloud IMS different from on-premises IMS?

Cloud IMS uses virtual servers, not real hardware. This helps MVNOs start services faster, grow easily, and spend less money. On-premises IMS gives more control but needs more work.

What challenges do MVNOs face with IMS and VoLTE?

MVNOs face problems like connecting with mobile network operators, following rules, and handling costs. They must also make sure their services work well on many devices and networks.

What is multi-tenant support in MVNO solutions?

Multi-tenant support means one platform can help many MVNOs and MNOs at once. Each operator can run their own services and manage customers without mixing with others.

What role does IPLOOK’s MVNO Solution play?

IPLOOK’s MVNO Solution helps MVNOs set up IMS and VoLTE fast. It supports millions of users, gives flexible setup, and makes upgrades to 5G easy. This solution helps MVNOs grow and stay strong.