5G and the Importance of VoLTE Roaming Testing 

The mobile industry is undergoing a significant transition with the advent of 5G technology. This next-generation network promises faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously. As part of this transition, 5G roaming is becoming increasingly important. Roaming allows users to use their mobile devices on other networks when they are outside their home network’s coverage area. With 5G roaming, users can take full advantage of the benefits of 5G technology, even when they are traveling or in areas where their home network does not have 5G coverage.  

To avoid the inevitable challenges these transitions, present such as ensuring seamless connectivity and maintaining high-quality applications such as voice services, rigorous testing, and continuous optimization are crucial. Testing and optimization help to ensure a smooth and successful transition to 5G and 5G roaming. 

Within this rapidly evolving world of telecommunications, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) has emerged as a game-changer. As we transition from traditional 2G/3G networks to more advanced 4G and 5G technologies, VoLTE roaming testing has become a critical operational priority for telecom operators.  

Let’s look at some specific areas in VoLTE roaming testing that will have a significant impact. 

2G and 3G network sunsets  

The telecom industry is moving towards more advanced technologies like 4G and 5G, and older networks like 2G and 3G are being phased out to reallocate spectrum and save costs associated with equipment and resources. VoLTE roaming testing is a necessary step in this transition ensuring that the new networks can handle voice services with the same or better quality as the older ones. 

According to a VoLTE roaming survey by Kaleido Intelligence, “48% of respondents plan to enable VoLTE roaming support through interworking to support voice calls while roaming after the sunsetting of 2G or 3G networks across key destinations”.  

Ensuring Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) 

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) can leverage VoLTE roaming testing to ensure the quality of service and the user experience are not compromised during the transition from legacy to 5G networks. VoLTE roaming testing guarantees that VoLTE subscribers receive the same supplementary voice services as they expect in traditional 2G/3G networks such as call waiting, call hold, etc.  

Testing is a critical part of establishing and ensuring: 

• high service availability between operators,  
• service compatibility,  
• service reliability,
• interaction quality, and
• ultimately customer support.

IMS paves the way to a smooth transition to 5G

With the advent of 5G, there is an industry need to re-farm existing 2G/3G spectrum for new 5G services. In order to successfully roll out 5G and 5G roaming voice services, IMS-based VoLTE needs to replace existing 2G/3 G-based voice services. IMS is a key component to delivering high-quality voice services over LTE and 5G networks, and it is essential for the successful implementation of VoLTE roaming. To ensure a smooth and seamless transition to 5G, VoLTE roaming testing plays a crucial role in this process. 

Streamlining the complexities of the 5G transition – Testing and Monitoring 

To implement and achieve interoperability of VoLTE roaming networks requires new: equipment, roaming partnership agreements, services, and pricing structures, among other complex changes. One of the main expectations MNOs have when implementing VoLTE roaming is the ability to support robust testing and monitoring of the IMS core and VoLTE services. VoLTE roaming testing provides this support MNOs need to facilitate agreements and communication, provision networks, and troubleshoot, while quickly identifying and addressing potential issues before they impact customers. 

VoLTE roaming testing is a key operational priority for telecom operators. It ensures high-quality voice services, a smooth transition to advanced technologies, and ultimately, customer satisfaction. As we move forward into the era of 5G and beyond, the importance of VoLTE roaming testing will only continue to grow. 

Syniverse offers a complete and robust VoLTE Roaming Testing solution that supports a leading number of global VoLTE launches. Our team of VoLTE experts and consultants has developed an extensive troubleshooting database allowing for a faster time to launch while accelerating your global footprint. 

Let’s discuss how Syniverse can speed up your time to market with VoLTE roaming. The VoLTE Roaming Journey, When and How to Launch VoLTE Roaming: Free Whitepaper Download and Webinar Replay (syniverse.com)