Ericsson White Paper

GFMC-284 23-3163 Uen Rev D

July 2022

Voice and
communication
services in 4G
and 5G networks
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 2
Content
July 2022

Content
Summary 3
Introduction 4
Voice in 5G networks 8
Providing improved voice services for users 11
Video calling 14
Conclusion 17
Glossary 18
References 19
Authors 20
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 3
Summary
July 2022

Summary

With the accelerating growth of 4G and 5G coverage and traffic, the rationale for evolving
remaining circuit-switched 2G and 3G voice services to packet-switched services building on
voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) and Voice over New Radio (VoNR) is stronger than
ever. This white paper explains the technologies and network evolution aspects that enable
globally interoperable communication services over packet-switched networks, using mobile
phone numbers as identity on smartphones and other devices. Consumers, enterprises,
and industries are benefiting from high-quality and easy-to-use voice and new innovative
communication services, across the continuously evolving mobile broadband world.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 4
Introduction
July 2022

Introduction

The transition from circuit-switched to VoLTE-based networks is well on its way with more
than half of all subscriptions worldwide already migrated, predicted to exceed 4.6 billion
by the end of 2022 [6]. The launch of 5G networks is further accelerating the migration.
Many 2G and 3G networks have already been closed and an increasing number of
communications service providers (CSPs) have publicly announced intentions and plans to
re-farm spectrum for cost saving.

CSP-based phone numbers form the world’s largest communication services community,
and CSPs can leverage this asset by continuing to evolve globally interoperable services to
meet evolving demands from users. Over-the-top (OTT) voice services such as Microsoft
Teams© and WhatsApp© have driven user adoption of more advanced communication
services such as video calling and video messaging. However, these solutions cannot
provide a fully satisfactory voice experience in many mobile scenarios because there are no
Quality of Service (QoS) measures in place, limited handover mechanisms, no guaranteed
emergency call support, and no pre-installed over-the-top voice apps in smartphones.

With native support in smartphones, VoLTE and VoNR provide an easy-to-use and high-
quality experience that is unrivaled by any other technology. In addition, Wi-Fi calling is
natively supported in all major smartphone brands and is widely deployed in CSP networks
all around the world. Wi-Fi calling can in many cases significantly improve indoor voice
coverage and is also a way of providing cheaper calls when the user is abroad.

IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), the technical foundation of VoLTE, is the base when CSPs
are introducing new services going forward. One-number solutions with support for a voice
beyond smartphones including smart watches, smart speakers, and multiple SIM cards, or
eSIMs on the same device, have been launched by many service providers. IMS is also the
base for network-based solutions to prevent the ever-increasing number of nuisance and
fraudulent calls.

IMS is also the solution for globally interoperable voice and communication services in
5G networks. As circuit-switched networks are no longer supported in 5G standalone
deployments, the migration to VoLTE and VoNR will be further accelerated.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 5
Introduction
July 2022

5G will open new possibilities to provide new communication capabilities. One example is
the 3GPP standardized IMS data channel, which provides new services for users and new
business opportunities to CSPs.

From VoLTE to VoNR and beyond, learn technologies and communication services
evolution.

VoLTE - A foundation for a global communication services ecosystem

The industry term VoLTE relates to the GSMA profile for voice and SMS in LTE [1], which
is based on the 3GPP IMS-based multimedia telephony (MMTel) standard. With VoLTE,
CSPs can make use of the wider capabilities of IP-based networks to deliver interoperable
communication services over mobile broadband networks. VoLTE is a foundation for an
advanced user experience including fast call setup and services like high definition (HD)
voice, HD voice+ for voice and music within calls as well as innovative new services—
available anywhere, on any device that supports the technology.

4G and Evolved Packet Core (EPC) architectures do not include support for circuit-switched
voice and video calls. Two tracks are available that provide interoperable voice services on
4G smartphones: Circuit-Switched Fallback (CSFB) and VoLTE. Most CSPs have already
deployed CSFB, especially if they had spotty 4G coverage initially. The GSMA profile for
video over LTE [2] (ViLTE) is based on VoLTE, providing users with synchronized full-duplex
voice and video streams. Seamless service continuity for voice with the circuit-switched
domain is offered through the usage of IMS Centralized Services (ICS) and Single Radio
Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC).

MMTel forms the IMS basis of the VoLTE solution and is supported by EPC with IP flow
and bearer management, and by 4G RAN with conversational radio bearers. Together, they
secure interoperability on all interfaces between devices and networks. An overview of the
complete system is shown in Figure 1.

IMS/MMTel
Telecom grade
service across
network domains
and devices 5G Core EPC MSS Network
management
and support
2G/3G systems
Wi-Fi NR LTE
RAN

Devices

User benefits
●Global interperability
●Quality of service
●Seamless mobility across accesses

Figure 1. Overview of the telecom-grade voice service across network domains and devices
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 6
Introduction
July 2022

The entire core network (that is, EPC, IMS, MSS, and 5G core) is now utilizing cloud
technology for cost-efficiency and service innovation capabilities.

It is important to take an end-to-end approach to VoLTE implementation to ensure the

retention of classic telecom strengths such as excellent voice quality with QoS, mobility
management, re-use of the Mobile Subscriber International Subscriber Directory Number
(MSISDN) for global voice interoperability, interconnect, international roaming, and various
types of regulatory and supplementary services.

VoLTE available in smartphones for all markets

VoLTE-enabled device models, including 5G support, are available from all major device
vendors supporting different regions and frequencies. Devices are built using VoLTE
capabilities integrated into chipsets supporting HD voice, HD voice+, video calling, and
SRVCC. Devices and RAN have been designed to adapt to radio conditions for seamless
mobility, optimized battery consumption, and call latency.

The GSMA has enhanced the VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling specifications by providing a set of
recommended configurations suitable for most CSPs, which reduces device testing before
market launch. The recommended device configurations can also be adapted to the specific
needs of CSPs. This brings VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling technology to the same industry level
as 2G/3G/4G connectivity, where a single device can be used in many CSP networks.
Consumers benefit from an increased variety of VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling capable devices in
all markets and price ranges.

Global reach enabled by roaming and interconnect

With 2G and 3G networks being decommissioned, it is becoming urgent for CSPs to deploy
VoLTE including roaming to secure voice services for their subscribers globally. In those
countries where 2G networks remain, the user experience for inbound roamers will be
reduced if CSFB is used; as the spectrum is being re-farmed, there are fewer networks to
connect to and the data capabilities are very limited during such a voice call.

Support for VoLTE, when roaming and interconnecting to other networks, ensures the
same rich user experience as for calls between users in the same network. In both cases,
the service offering, and its evolution remain in control of the home network, but the inbuilt
interoperability ensures global reachability to all networks, while also ensuring connectivity
to existing mobile and fixed voice users.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based interconnect enables VoLTE to interoperate across
the boundaries of CSPs using HD voice, HD voice+ and video calling. Special interworking
functions may be needed on the SIP level to interwork between VoLTE and fixed VoIP
networks. Examples are interworking for SIP precondition and forking, which may not be
supported by all fixed VoIP networks.

As detailed in GSMA IR.65 [3] and GSMA IR.88 [4], VoLTE roaming enables voice and video
calling over 4G when roaming in partner networks. VoLTE roaming is deployed with the S8
Home Routing (S8HR) architecture which expands on and reuses the LTE data roaming
architecture. The S8HR approach means that the voice, video calling, and messaging
services are provided by the IMS in the home network while the visited network provides the
connectivity, QoS, and regulatory services.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 7
Introduction
July 2022

The advantage of the S8HR approach is that users have the same services when roaming
as in their home network. This means that CSP-specific services and new advanced services
such as HD voice+ and multi-device voice calls will continue to work while roaming without
cumbersome and time-consuming inter-operability projects between roaming partners.

S8HR can also be deployed before a SIP Network-to-Network Interface (SIP-NNI) is

introduced between CSPs. This aspect is also an enabler for a fast and global roaming
deployment since it may take several years before SIP connectivity is deployed between all
potential roaming partners.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 8
Voice in 5G networks
July 2022

Voice in 5G
networks

3GPP has standardized the IMS architecture and all existing IMS services to also be used
in 5G networks. GSMA has additionally defined profiles for 5G use. CSPs that have already
deployed IMS-based voice and video calling over LTE and Wi-Fi, can now simply add the 5G
New Radio (NR) and related capabilities without the need for a new voice service engine.
5G networks also support SMS/MMS, IP messaging, interworking with Wi-Fi, and regulatory
requirements related to voice and emergency calls. Voice in 5G provides a seamless high-
quality user experience that is unrivaled by any other technology.

Voice in 5G has been introduced in three different evolution steps, which all retain the
communication capabilities of VoLTE while adding new capabilities of 5G. In the first step,
IMS is independent of 5G, and the 5G capabilities are implemented by adding the NR access
to a 5G enabled evolved packet core network that also serves the legacy LTE access. This
architecture is referred to as the 5G non-standalone architecture (5G NSA) as shown in
Figure 2. 5G NSA provides a 5G data boost on top of the LTE subscription. This is achieved
by connecting devices simultaneously to both NR and LTE in an E-UTRA New Radio Dual
Connectivity (EN-DC) configuration. The EN-DC configuration is great for increased data
speeds, but it comes with a penalty on voice coverage since the maximum allowed uplink
power must be shared between LTE and NR. One option is to shut off data over NR while
being on a call.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 9
Voice in 5G networks
July 2022

LTE EPC IMS

NR

4G Voice 5G Voice, new and enhancements

4G Data 5G Data, new and enhancements

Figure 2. Communication services with Dual Connectivity (EN-DC)

in 5G non-standalone architecture

The second evolution step of voice in 5G is Fallback to EPS (Evolved Packet System) from
NR when making or receiving calls. After completing the call, the user is immediately
moved back to the 5G access to benefit from faster data speeds. The EPS Fallback solution
is implemented on the 5G standalone architecture (5G SA) as shown in Figure 3. 5G SA
introduces a new 5G core and new 5G specific services such as network slicing and new
QoS mechanisms that are important for enterprise and IoT use cases. 5G SA also offers
better data service performance in terms of data session setup times and data speeds
compared to 5G NSA. The benefit of EPS Fallback is that it enables smartphones in 5G SA
long before continuous NR coverage can be deployed locally or on a nationwide basis. The
only prerequisite is that there is overlapping VoLTE coverage wherever EPS Fallback is to be
deployed.

MME
LTE SGW

EPS Fallback

NR 5GC IMS

Upgrade
4G Voice 5G Voice, new and enhancements
4G Data 5G Data, new and enhancements

Figure 3. Communication services with EPS Fallback in 5G standalone architecture

Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 10
Voice in 5G networks
July 2022

The third and final evolution step for voice in 5G is Voice over New Radio (VoNR). VoNR
offers both voice, video calling, and messaging services over the 5G access. It also offers
faster data speeds and shorter data session setup times during voice calls compared to
EN-DC and EPS Fallback. As with EPS Fallback, VoNR is also based on the 5G standalone
architecture as shown in Figure 4. One difference from EPS Fallback is that VoNR can
be offered together with data services in a separate 5G mobile broadband slice to
avoid disturbances from other network slices for enterprise industries that may have an
unpredictable traffic pattern. VoNR requires good and continuous NR coverage to offer
acceptable voice service. Initial VoNR deployments rely on a seamless handover to VoLTE
when moving out of NR coverage.

VoNR benefits from general 5G SA security enhancements. The user’s long-term identity,
the Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), is concealed to protect the individual from
SUPI/ International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers. The radio network may
also log and report occurrences of suspicious device measurements that indicate SUPI/
IMSI catchers. The user’s short-term identity, the 5G-temporary mobile subscriber identity
(5G-TMSI), is also updated more frequently than in 4G to protect users from being
associated with and tracked using the temporary identity.

NR 5GC IMS

Upgrade
4G Voice 5G Voice, new and enhancements
4G Data 5G Data, new and enhancements

Figure 4. Communication services with voice over NR in 5G standalone architecture

CSPs investing in 5G will be in different situations regarding their coverage build-out

depending on their available spectrum. While it will take time for NR to achieve full
coverage, the LTE coverage is already sufficient for VoLTE in most countries. VoLTE is a
prerequisite for introducing 5G core (5GC) as 3GPP has not standardized CSFB from 5G SA,
and dual-connectivity solutions are not optimal from a coverage and battery consumption
point-of-view.

5G roaming based on 5GC also requires VoLTE roaming as there is no possibility of falling
back to CS. Voice over NR roaming follows the same principles as S8HR for VoLTE but
instead uses the 5GC N9 interface. It is therefore referred to as N9 Home Routed (N9HR)
roaming.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 11
Providing improved voice services for users
July 2022

Providing
improved voice
services for users

Mobile networks were originally purpose-built for person-to-person communication first

with voice and SMS, and later for mobile broadband. These networks are also used for
machine-to-machine applications, such as various types of meters, remote control, and
alarms. These networks still have built-in limitations for what can be achieved, framed by
factors such as bandwidth, protocols, and codec support.

Moving to IP-based communication networks, a much higher degree of freedom can be

applied in adopting various application needs, connectivity and bandwidth availability,
codec evolution, and new innovative devices.

Wi-Fi calling enabled in networks and devices

Natively integrated Wi-Fi calling in devices is available from all major smartphone brands.
CSPs can thus extend voice service reach into homes and other locations that have limited
cellular coverage. The phone will use the local Wi-Fi access point and automatically connect
to the CSP-provided voice service by any internet connection. A seamless handover of calls
from 4G and 5G to Wi-Fi is supported to ensure voice service continuity.

Wi-Fi calling needs to be enabled both in the device and in the network. The evolved Packet
Data Gateway (ePDG) functionality in EPC is needed to allow for untrusted Wi-Fi accesses
to interwork with the EPC and connect to the IMS network. The ePDG provides security
mechanisms such as Internet Protocol security tunneling of connections with the device
over untrusted Wi-Fi access to ensure a seamless handover of an ongoing VoLTE call to the
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 12
Voice in 5G networks
July 2022

user’s home Wi-Fi, and vice versa. The service is still anchored in the CSP network by the
ePDG.

Wi-Fi calling builds on VoLTE specifications and IMS/MMTel and hence offers similar
service capabilities as VoLTE but without guaranteed QoS. There are also a few other
differences related to the handling of location-dependent services. VoLTE uses network
mechanisms to make the service predictable and independent of load from other services,
while for Wi-Fi calling, the service quality will be dependent on the local environment and
load from other users connected to the same access point. Thus, Wi-Fi calling is suitable
for residential usage and smaller enterprises, while larger enterprises are better off using
3GPP-based small-cell solutions to guarantee high-quality real-time voice and video calling
services.

New use cases and more types of 4G and 5G enabled devices

IMS offers the possibility of providing communication services on multiple devices across
all accesses so that users can select the most suitable device for a particular occasion and
even transfer ongoing calls between devices. Evolving communication services networks to
IP makes it easier to extend communication services use cases to other types of devices, as
shown in Figure 5. Functionality that makes it possible for several devices to share the same
phone number has been launched in multiple countries, enabling CSP voice services on
tablets, smart watches, smart speakers, laptops, and so on.

Automotive Industry
●Infotainment and AR
Security driving
VR

From 2G/ Multi-Device

Security
●Interactive
emergency call
Smartphone 3G voice Multi-Persona Bert
●Work
revolution ●Private
Adam Charlie
●Community Group Number Industry
Service Exposure

and Healthcare

Voice Service Evolution New Use Cases

To 4G/
5G voice Building
Construction Industry
Interactive Calling Holographic
Communication
●Talk/Hear/Touch/
●Intercom See/Move
●Elevator Alarm/
Voice Button
Automotive Industry Haptic
●eCall Communication
●Emergency/Service
Call Button
Real-time translation
and live captioning

Mission Critical
Communication

Figure 5. Communication services use case examples, today and in the future
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 13
Providing improved voice services for users
July 2022

Multi-device support often means multi-SIM usage - that is, the ability to share a phone
number across multiple SIM devices. For example, a user may prefer to use a big screen
while at work and a smartwatch when out running. In addition, a single device can have
the ability to serve multiple lines, for example for different aspects of life: for example, one
phone number for private use, another for business, and a third as a coach for the football
team of a child. Multi-device and multi-line use cases can also be combined.

Support of VoLTE in Cat-M1 modules and network infrastructure provides basic voice-
calling capabilities for different types of IoT use cases. The VoLTE-enabled IoT devices
benefit from the characteristics of Cat-M1 modules such as form factor, long battery
lifetime, coverage, and low device cost. Example use cases where basic voice services are
included are alarm panels to reach service centers, wearables, digital locks, disposable
security garments, and more.

New services for fraud and nuisance call detection

Nuisance and fraudulent calls are today having a significantly negative impact on CSP
voice traffic. Many users are no longer answering calls from unknown numbers, which
also prevents some important calls from being answered. The Secure Telephony Identity
Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information toKENs (SHAKEN)
standards were developed to mitigate this problem but only work in case both the
originating and terminating networks have implemented the functionality. A variety of
smartphone apps are also available to warn users of nuisance and fraudulent calls but the
parties generating these types of calls have significant resources to change their behavior
dynamically and can therefore continue to get their calls connected, despite the apps. The
main drawback of smartphone apps is that they have very limited information about the
call, usually only the calling and called party number. Network based solutions can utilize all
the information available in the terminating network, including information carried in SIP
signaling from the originating and possible transit networks. Combining this information
with machine learning algorithms provides a superior way of detecting unwanted calls,
resulting in improved subscriber satisfaction and can result in increased voice traffic.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 14
Video calling
July 2022

Video calling

The number of networks using SIP interconnect, which enables ViLTE between CSPs and
countries, is increasing and over time it will be technically possible to make ViLTE calls
between most networks in the world. Some CSPs have also started offering ViLTE as a best
effort service and charging for it through consumption of the data bucket. This is to align
and compete with OTT-based video calling applications. Users have learned from OTT video
calling experiences that the video service may not work in all places in the network, but this
is still acceptable as the video call is then just automatically downgraded to a voice call.

The introduction of 5G and areas with very high capacity in the radio network also makes
CSP-based Video over New Radio (ViNR) more attractive and feasible than in 4G. ViNR has
been verified exchange to exchange by vendors and CSPs, and it is ready to be activated in
many 5G smartphones if requested by CSPs.

The European Union (EU) is proposing legislation, which focuses on using ViLTE and ViNR
to improve the 112 services for the hearing impaired and people in general who cannot
orally describe the urgency to an emergency dispatcher. The legislation is intended for EU
member countries, but the concept may also be applied by other countries in the world.

The benefits of 3GPP standardized ViLTE and ViNR, compared to OTT-based video calling
is first that users do not need to install and use an app to make and receive video calls. The
standardized ViLTE and ViNR services are also generic and enable users to find and connect
to any other user, enterprise, or authority in the world using a standard E.164 telephone
number. ViLTE and ViNR calls are dialed with the phone’s native dialer and the numbers can
be stored in the phone’s native address book as for voice calls.

Evolution of voice and communication services building on 5G

With 5G access, we can expect more use cases, including interoperable voice and
communication services, based on IMS. 5G radio, enabling higher bitrates and new service
profiles, will unlock a wide range of new services like augmented reality (AR), virtual
reality (VR), and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). Many of these new
services will require a high-quality voice component, and in 3GPP Rel-16, an IMS data
channel has been specified to enable data media within a 5G voice call. The IMS data
channel enables the addition of real-time, remote interaction between people and things,
through a regular mobile phone call. It also includes an innovation framework based on
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 15
Video calling
July 2022

Web Real-Time Communication technology - the regular call screen can display any web
content. Using the web technology framework enables fast use case development without
the need to standardize them in 3GPP and thus time to market for new services can be
radically improved. By using the web technology framework, use cases like screen sharing,
gaming, and social collaboration within a regular phone call can be developed. Consumer-
to-business and business-to-business calls will be able to provide better digital experiences
through increased efficiency. For example, with remote expert support in business contact
centers, the callers could start by interacting with the businesses’ call screen menu content
while waiting in the phone queue. During the phone conversation, the customer support
agent could provide better product and service advice using screen-sharing and content
collaboration directly within the call screen. In the future, AR could also be added to further
enhance the customer support experience. Since the web content is loaded automatically on
the call screen there is less need for consumers to download and install specific apps from
brands.

GSMA has, in the IMS Data Channel White Paper NG.129 [5], provided an overview of the
technology, industry vision, and user stories.

5G Interactive Voice calling

Consumers Service Providers Developers Businesses

• Voice calls become • The IMS telephony • Fast use case • Contact centers
more useful and service is used for development becomes more
fun more than voice with WebRTC productive
• Global • One number framework • Product advice
interoperable bundling with • Deployment of enhanced with
service smart glasses innovative use web content or
• No need to • IMS assets used cases without AR increases sales
pre-install specific for industry the need to success rates
apps from brands real-time standardize
communication
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 16
Video calling
July 2022

Service exposure for communication services

As networks evolve toward 5G, programmability through Application Programming

Interfaces (APIs) increases in importance. It is imperative that network exposure is realized
in a controlled and secure manner, by defining different functionalities:

• Exposed Services and Management functionality, making the exposed service securely
reachable for the consumer via an API Gateway with support for portal, software
development kit, and API management.
• Business and Service Logic functionality for transformation and composition when there
is a need to raise the abstraction level of a service offered to an external Application
Function (AF) by composing combined services from different network assets.
• Abstraction and Resource functionality for communication with the network assets, for
example, RAN, Packet Core, UDM, and IMS.

Consumers

Developers

Businesses
5G

Service
Providers

The APIs enable AFs to enrich, influence, or integrate IMS calls into the enterprise business
context. As networks evolve toward 5G voice, it is believed that 5G IMS exposable
voice assets, for example, call state, subscriber state, roaming state, current access
attachment state, 5G IMS analytics data-KPI info, will become important and valuable
for CSPs particularly in the cross-domain context, for example, IMS-Core-RAN. Using the
composition functionality, 5G core exposure offerings through NEF can be enhanced to add
a voice context to the consumers of these 5G core APIs.

Other future voice and communication services

6G is already widely studied and discussed in the telecommunications industry. Even though
a lot of standardization work remains, voice on 6G will most likely also be based on IMS.
IMS offers the flexibility needed for future communication services, and no alternatives are
foreseen today.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 17
Conclusion
July 2022

Conclusion

The migration from circuit-switched 2G and 3G mobile voice networks toward 4G and 5G
voice, building on VoLTE and VoNR is well on its way. Many CSPs plan to close 2G and 3G
networks by 2025. 4G subscriptions continue to increase, projected to peak at 5 billion in
2022. One-quarter of the world’s population is covered by 5G, estimated to be 75 percent in
2027 [6].

CSPs are developing their communications business, and consumers and enterprise users
are benefiting from high-quality rich communication services, available on any device,
anywhere. The quality of voice calls is generally better when using telecom-grade 4G and
5G voice services than it is with OTT voice services.

5G offers new business opportunities related to communication services. The IMS data
channel can be used for new interactive calling use cases in addition to voice, including AR
and VR. Service exposure related to 5G is also an opportunity for CSPs to offer new unique
innovative services.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 18
Glossary
July 2022

Glossary

CS Circuit-switched
CSFB Circuit-Switched Fallback
EPC Evolved Packet Core
EPS Evolved Packet System
5GC 5G Core
ePDG Evolved Packet Data Gateway
HD High definition
ICS IMS Centralized Services
IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
IoT Internet of Things
LTE Long Term Evolution
MMTel Multimedia telephony
MSS Mobile Softswitch Solution
MSISDN Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number
NR New Radio
OTT Over-the-top
PRD Permanent Reference Document
SHAKEN Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs
SIP Session Initiation Protocol
SRVCC Single Radio Voice Call Continuity
STIR Secure Telephony Identity Revisited
SUPI Subscription Permanent Identifier
VoLTE Voice over LTE
VoNR Voice over New Radio
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 19
References
July 2022

References

1. GSMA, IR.92 IMS Profile for Voice and SMS

2. GSMA, IR.94 IMS Profile for Conversational Video Service
3. GSMA, IR.65 IMS Roaming, Interconnection and Interworking Guidelines
4. GSMA, IR.88 LTE Roaming Guidelines
5. GSMA, PRD.129 IMS Data Channel White Paper
6. Ericsson Mobility Report, June 2022
https://www.ericsson.com/en/reports-and-papers/mobility-report/reports/june-2022

Further reading
• Voice services - Evolve communication services
• Explore VoLTE technology and its benefits
• 5G Voice - Make your mobile network ready
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 20
Authors
July 2022

Authors

Johan Lundström works as Strategic Product Manager for VoLTE. He joined Ericsson in
1991 and since then he has worked primarily with mobile voice networks. He has held
various positions in R&D, pre-sales and solution, and product management. Johan has
an MSc in Telecommunications and Software Science from the Helsinki University of
Technology.

Sven Gemski joined Ericsson in 1991 and he is a Strategic Product Manager for IMS. He has
had different positions in market units, system management, and product management. His
current focus is on voice in 5G.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 21
Authors
July 2022

Björn Norhammar has a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Institute
of Technology in Stockholm. He has over 25 years of experience in the telecom industry
and holds several patents. In his current position, Björn Norhammar manages Ericsson RCS
solution on vIMS.

Cormac Hegarty joined Ericsson in 1990 and is a senior technical specialist in IMS data
management. His current focus is on communication services exposure architecture and
APIs.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 22
Authors
July 2022

Ralf Keller joined Ericsson in 1996 and is an expert in core network migration. His current
focus is on packet core architecture and technology in his role as Chief Architect. He holds a
Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Mannheim in Germany.

Kati Öhman is holding a Solution Marketing Manager position at Ericsson. She joined
Ericsson in 1997, initially working with the technology evolution of radio and core networks
before taking on a marketing role 15 years ago. She has specialized in marketing the
network evolution benefits of communication services for consumers, enterprises, and the
public sector. She is now creating industry awareness about the value of 5G for service
providers and users. Öhman holds an M.Sc. from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in
Stockholm and a B.Sc. in Finance from Stockholm University.
Voice and communication services in 4G and 5G networks 23
Authors
July 2022

Mariarosaria Romano joined Ericsson in 1993 and she is currently Marketing Manager
for Regulatory Solutions. In her enthusiastic journey with Ericsson, Mariarosaria has
taken other roles, in different technology areas: Product Manager, Pricing Manager, and
Competence Manager. Mariarosaria has a Master of Science in Electronic Engineering from
the University of Naples Federico II, the oldest public university in the world. She loves
innovation.