T&M companies eye VoLTE implementation opportunity

Network operators, mobile device manufacturers and network equipment manufacturers are seeking visibility as well as enhanced quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE), which could be achieved through testing and holistic monitoring of the network infrastructure. 

Frost & Sullicavn’s Analysis of the VoLTE and VoWiFi Testing and Monitoring Equipment Market is part of the Test & Measurement Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes insights into Network Infrastructure Testing Equipment, Passive Network Monitoring Equipment, Active Network Monitoring Equipment, Network Optimising and Benchmarking Equipment, Mobile Device Testing Equipment. 

When implementing a new solution like VoLTE, network operators, network equipment manufacturers and mobile device vendors have to ensure that the key performance indices that are important to customers are not lowered.

This is especially relevant when transitioning to VoWiFi, an unlicensed spectrum that lies outside of the control of operators. 

“Customers that initiate the VoLTE call will seek end devices with sufficient battery life and ability to transition from legacy-based circuit switch network to an all-IP network and vice-versa,” said Measurement & Instrumentation Programme Manager Olga Yashkova. “Communication testing vendors can make the most of these requirements by offering comprehensive test and monitoring solutions.” 

However, barriers to market entry will be high due to the presence of relatively entrenched market participants that can deliver more thorough end-to-end solutions. Although the entrants can break into the market with unique products, it will be equally important for them to have technologies to cater to the legacy market. 

Additionally, test vendors need to educate customers about the benefits of adopting innovative solutions to test the conformance of newly installed VoLTE and VoWiFi network deployments and associated technologies.

Through concerted efforts to disseminate information and establish an efficient distribution channel, the $1.17 billion market could well touch $2.8 billion by 2020. 

“While the rapid speed of VoLTE and VoWiFi adoption will excite vendors of communication testing and monitoring solutions, it also presents several challenges regarding scalability,” noted Yashkova. “The incorporation of sophisticated test solutions into different silos of well-established network infrastructures can reduce the need for individual testing solutions and accelerate the return on investment.” 

Meanwhile, the communication testing industry has witnessed a number of high-profile acquisitions, which have greatly consolidated the VoLTE and VoWiFi testing and monitoring market.

Some of the notable activities in this area include the takeover of Danaher Communications by Net Scout and the acquisition of Anite by Keysight Technologies.

These new entities will be able to make the most of their combined resources once they successfully incorporate VoLTE and VoWiFi into a single network.