A new report from Transforma Insights, an IoT analysis firm, reveals that many key IoT applications require voice services, with the majority set to be delivered via native IP-based Voice over LTE (VoLTE) or Voice over New Radio (VoNR). IoT connectivity providers must now find scalable solutions to support voice within their offerings.
Transforma Insights recently published a Position Paper, ‘Why VoLTE/VoNR is a critical part of an IoT connectivity provider’s portfolio’ in collaboration with ng-voice. The report explores the growing demand for voice services within IoT applications, the available technologies for its delivery, and what constitutes an optimised voice capability for supporting IoT.
By 2033, nearly 20% of IoT connections (around 1.4 billion) and 22% of connectivity revenue ($80 billion) will require native voice support. The most significant use cases include connected vehicles, access control, worker safety, vertical transport, and assisted living. Many of these, such as emergency calling (eCall), are driven by regulatory compliance.
Historically, voice was delivered through circuit-switched 2G/3G networks, but with the global phasing out of these technologies, this approach is becoming obsolete. The remaining options are either IP-based native voice, such as VoLTE for 4G and VoNR for 5G, or over-the-top (OTT) voice services like those offered by WhatsApp, using data channels. According to the report, VoLTE/VoNR offers significant advantages, such as enhanced security, compliance, reliability, and flexibility, making it the preferable option over OTT services in most cases.
However, the need for voice services presents a challenge for many IoT Communications Service Providers (CSPs), which often rely on outdated, inefficient solutions that are neither scalable nor cost-effective. Crucially, they fail to meet the pricing expectations of IoT customers.
“Transforma Insights notes eleven characteristics of an optimised voice capability for IoT, which IoT connectivity providers should demand in any voice solution that they deploy. This ranges from being secure and compliant to being flexible in call routing and able to enrich calls with contextual information,” said Matt Hatton, author of the report.
One critical consideration highlighted in the report is scalability. Few connectivity providers can afford the significant upfront investment needed for over-provisioned systems. Instead, they will need solutions that allow them to scale efficiently based on the number of users, relying on proven technology to manage growth.
“VoLTE/VoNR plays will be essential for many IoT deployments – 1.3 bn devices will require native voice within the next 10 years. At ng-voice, we help customers to add native voice to their platforms – in a software-centric, highly automated, and cost-efficient manner. Our solution is tailored to the needs of IoT,” said Quirin Maderspacher, Chief Operating Officer of report sponsor ng-voice.
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