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

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.