One Voice Initiative to provide basis for LTE delivery

The GSMA's Voice over LTE (VoLTE) initiative has the backing of more than 40 organisations from across the mobile ecosystem, including leading operators, handset manufacturers and equipment vendors. The GSMA will also lead the development of the specifications that will enable interconnection and international roaming between LTE networks. It aims to complete that work by early 2011. "The GSMA recognises the importance of a single, industry wide solution for voice over LTE and, by adopting the work of the One Voice Initiative, we will advance the creation of a global, next generation wireless ecosystem," said Alex Sinclair (pictured), the GSMA's chief technology and strategy officer. "With the support of the world's leading players in mobile, VoLTE will generate economies of scale similar to those provided through the ubiquitous availability of GSM-based networks and devices. As mobile operators begin to deploy LTE, it is essential their networks are aligned around one, common standard for voice and messaging services, for the benefit of the mobile industry and consumers alike." "LTE is a significant enabler for enhancing the broadband experience for consumers of multimedia," said Ron Louks, Sony Ericsson's chief technology officer. "The introduction of a globally aligned LTE telephony solution is of utmost importance to the entire wireless ecosystem. Through the use of established industry open standards, the GSMA's VoLTE initiative facilitates the timely, interoperable, global deployment of IMS based voice and rich media services.