Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Voice Over IP Multimedia Subsystem (VoIMS), Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB), Dual Radio/Simultaneous Voice and LTE (SVLTE), Voice Over LTE Via Generic Access Network (VOLGA) and Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC)), By Downstream Industry (Wireless Communication, Mobile Phones, Data Terminals and Others) and Regional Forecast to 2033

VOICE OVER LTE (VoLTE) MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

The Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) market, valued at USD 74.92 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 4428.06 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 66.51% during the forecast period during the forecast period.

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) changes how voice calls use the 4G LTE network. It converts voice in the same way it does any other kind of data into packets. VoLTE works under the wider IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). This system combines voice and multimedia as data streams over an IP interface. This integration means that both voice and data can be processed at the same time which is an improvement from the earlier way of processing as distinct circuit-switched networks. Technology such as VoLTE has improved the quality of voice, background noise and clarity, especially in harsh environmental conditions. It also supports faster call setup times and more efficient utilization of the spectrum as compared to previous technologies.

In addition to voice improvements, VoLTE allows for the use of data services such as browsing while on a call and enhanced video calls, significantly improving the overall user experience. It also leads to longer battery life compared to traditional VoIP options, making it the most suitable choice for mobile use. Currently, VoLTE is already active with 262 operators across 120 countries, and 194 companies have launched VoLTE-HD voice services. Furthermore, the widespread support of VoLTE in all modern smartphones increases its availability and demand among consumers. As the technology continues to evolve, it is expected to further enhance mobile communication and support the growing demand for high-quality voice and data services.

COVID-19 Impact: Pandemic has boosted remote communication and work-from-home aspects to propel the market

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Due to the outbreak of the pandemic that has forced companies to adopt the work-from-home strategy, there is a high demand for better voice communications thereby driving the VoLTE market. As companies and people shift towards working remotely engaging in online meetings and seminars and using collaborative software and applications, there is a growing need for a secure and reliable way of making voice calls that VoLTE offers. VoLTE has offered clearer HD voice continuation, faster call connection times, as well as voice or more, using the same channel and data services over 4G LTE networks that have positioned it as a must-have solution for supporting mutually beneficial and efficient remote working when and after the pandemic.

LATEST TRENDS

"Rising demand for advanced multimedia services and rich communication features to drive the market"

The market for ‘Voice Over LTE’ more commonly known as VoLTE is growing due to the rising demand from the consumer to access multimedia services and enhanced communication services. With users trending toward the use of smooth voice, video and instant messaging services, VoLTE has become a crucial solution. VoLTE delivers clear and high-definition voice calls without too much interference from the background noise. Furthermore, the capability of supporting calls with video and multimedia over the 4G LTE networks fulfils the growing demand for enhanced experience. VoLTE is advantageous for businesses and consumers with regards to multimedia services and communication needs where voice and data concurrent sharing is convenient such as video calls and real-time teamwork. This trend can epitomise VoLTE as a fundamental solution for responding to the changing requirements of digital communication and as a catalyst that could create new opportunities and enhance the functions of mobile networks all over the world.

VOICE OVER LTE (VoLTE) MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the global market can be categorized into Voice Over IP Multimedia Subsystem (VoIMS), Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB), Dual Radio/Simultaneous Voice and LTE (SVLTE), Voice Over LTE Via Generic Access Network (VOLGA) and Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC).

• Voice Over IP Multimedia Subsystem (VoIMS): VoIMS is the primary innovation on which VoLTE is based to support voice and multimedia services over IP networks. It specifies the means of controlling and defining how voice and multimedia sessions will be set up. VoIMS does not send the voice calls through the circuit-switched domains but rather through the LTE IP domain thereby being clearer and able to set up faster and be able to support simultaneous voice and data.

• Circuit Switched Fall Back (CSFB): VoLTE is a voice over LTE that is used in communication, CSFB on the other hand is a fallback mechanism. CSFB, on the other hand, provides a way for the VoLTE-enabled device to switch thereby transferring the ongoing voice call to the LTE CSFB-enabled legacy 3G or 2G CS network. This guarantees the voice call continuity despite the lack of the LTE connectivity guaranteeing a different quality and feature set though not as good as the native VoLTE.

• Dual Radio/Simultaneous Voice and LTE (SVLTE): SVLTE is useful for a device to establish voice and LTE data connection at the same time by using two different radio transceivers. This is the latitude for the device to stay on the LTE for data and also integral CS calls at the same time. SVLTE is used to bridge the gap between the lookout for full VoLTE implementation.

• Voice Over LTE Via Generic Access Network (VOLGA): VOLGA can be classified as an alternative approach in voice services to be supported over LTE networks. The device relies on the Generic Access Network (GAN) for the transmission of voice, which is passed via an IP network without the necessity of the IMS support. But for VOLGA, it is rated to offer the VoIP such as communication without the complete VoLTE integration even though it will not be as effective as the VoLTE system.

• Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC): SRVCC is defined as the process that allows the handover of a current voice call from LTE to one of the prior modes of CSNs which are the 3G or 2G networks. It enables the voice call to continue when the device is out of the LTE area by converting the call to the circuit-switched domain. The SRVCC is very important in VoLTE so the voice service should be continued during and after the data service where SRVCC plays an important role.

By Downstream Industry

Based on downstream industry the global market can be categorized into Wireless Communication, Mobile Phones, Data Terminals and Others.

• Wireless Communication: The wireless communication segment in the VoLTE market targets those solutions that offer voice over LTE to enhance the experience of the users. With LTE technology wireless communication firms and network operators can be able to deliver improved voice communication services by enhancing the quality and speed of the communication network.

• Mobile Phones: The segmentation for the VoLTE market for mobile phones aims at segmenting different solutions delivering voice over LTE for supporting mobile phones. With VoLTE implementation in mobile phones, data transfer becomes more efficient, the coverage area increases and initial connection to the network is faster while users enjoy crisper calls.

• Data Terminals: The Data Terminals segment classifies VoLTE in terms of solutions that apply VoLTE technology to data terminal devices such as smart speakers and tablets. Through these LTE, better communication, as well as multimedia streaming, could be offered to end users by data terminal devices.

• Others: VoLTE is receiving a new application in IoT, thanks to the IoT's effective voice connection for effective monitoring of the devices and constant interactions. In automotive solutions, VoLTE offers enhanced voice communication in vehicles and plays a role in infotainment, safety, emergency services and V2V communication to enhance safety and facilitate a comfortable experience in advanced automobiles.

DRIVING FACTORS

"Rising adoption of smartphones and mobile data usage to expand the market"

The rising use of smartphones and the use of mobile data are expected to expand the global Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) market growth. With most of the customers moving to user devices that support VoLTE across the world, there is a growing need for improved voice quality and bundled data services. VoLTE offers high-definition voice calls, faster connection establishment and the capability to conduct voice and data operations at the same time over a 4G LTE network, which is a feature that satisfies the demand of the modern. Furthermore, the mobile business and especially the usage of mobile data has been intensified by video, social networking and other entertainment and communication applications hence the efficient spectrum management as well as the establishment of the networks that VoLTE offers. This trend is not only reshaping user experience but also motivating telecom operators and device makers to deploy VoLTE service to seize the emerging market in the alteration of mobile communication behaviours.

"Proliferation of 4G, 5G and more future advanced networks to boost the market"

The expanding use of 4G, 5G and even more superior networks across the world is expected to greatly enhance the Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) market in the future. With telecom operators integrating their network systems into these high-speed networks, VoLTE will witness growth in network capacities and capabilities among operators. Most current 4G LTE networks also support VoLTE or have the capacity to support it since it enables users to have a higher quality of voice calls, faster call connection and use data during calls. Since then VoLTE is anticipated to make use of even higher bandwidth and operate in a much lower latency environment accruing to the 5G network technology to provide even higher definition voice calls as well as integrating multimedia communications into a single call. Such technological evolution not only paves the way for today’s demand for enhanced voice service but also addresses tomorrow’s futuristic or future-proof technologies due to IoT applications or next-gen connected smart devices and other streaming communication requirements across multiple sectors, further underlining VoLTE’s relevance as an important factor of future mobile communications technologies.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

"Limited coverage in certain geographical regions hinders the market"

The existing growth restraining factor in the Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) market is the lack of coverage in some regions, which is an obstacle to the advancement and popularity of this technology. While the larger cities boast of good 4G LTE supporting VoLTE networks, the rural areas and other remote areas may lack proper networks. This disparity restricts the availability of VoLTE-enabled services to a large part of the population hence restraining the market potentiality of the technology. Also, the difference in the regulatory environment and the availability of spectrum in different countries could pose an additional challenge to the deployment of VoLTE networks in underserved regions. The pressure of extending the network to these areas with low density is presented to telecom operators and infrastructure providers as they consider their costs of installation and deployment as a factor in achieving this objective. Tackling these gaps is important to realize the full potential of VoLTE, in providing Equal Voice/Higher Quality Voice and data services for consumers who are geographically diverse and create demand in the telecom sector.

VOICE OVER LTE (VoLTE) MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa.

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"North America dominates the market due to the early adoption of 4G and 5G networks"

North America is the largest consumer of the global Voice over LTE (VoLTE) market share because of its early adoption and the strong growth of 4G and 5G networks. The increased availability of advanced cellular infrastructure and extensions spread across North America such as 4G LTE and 5G services are among key reasons why several telecom operators in the region have enthusiastically adopted VoLTE technology. This early adoption has enabled consumers in this region to get better voice clarity, quicker call connection, and voice and data both on their smartphones and connected appliances. Also, the policies and codes which are easier in spectrum allotment and technology enhancement have boosted VoLTE services in the urban as well as suburban regions. Hence, North America maintains its dominance in the market share of VoLTE, driven by its technological and customer orientations toward refined mobile communication services.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key industry players are improving indoor network coverage for market proliferation

Key industry players are trying to solve the issue of Indoor Network Coverage in the Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) market by adopting Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) as well as Web real-time communication (WebRTC). VoWi-Fi helps in making voice calls prominently through a Wi-Fi signal when it is not easily accessible through a cellular network indoors and thus helps in improving the connectivity experience of the user base and providing a comparatively better service to its user. Besides enhancing the quality of the voice calls made indoors, this integration also increases the network footprint with minimal extra capital infrastructure with cost implications. Moreover, WebRTC further advances VoLTE services, brought about by direct real-time communication support through the internet browser of various apparatus for voice and video calls. Both of them contribute to better indoor coverage and improve the voice quality matter the place is within the building or home for customers. Thus, these technologies afford industry players to provide acceptable solutions to support the demand for continuous and reliable communication services in various indoor settings.

The Top Market Players Profiled

• MetroPCS/T-Mobile USA (U.S.)
• AT&T (U.S.)
• NTT Docomo (Japan)
• SingTel (Singapore)
• Huawei (China)
• SK Telecom (South Korea)
• Ericsson (Sweden)
• Nokia (Finland)
• NSN (Finland)
• Alcatel-Lucent (France)

SK Telecom, South Korea's leading mobile operator, launched its Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service, branded as "HD Voice," in August 2012, significantly improving call quality and reducing connection times. By the end of 2023, SK Telecom held a market share of approximately 40.7% in South Korea’s wireless service sector, with a subscriber base of 33.7 million, including users from Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) utilizing its network. The company also demonstrated a strong network performance, achieving an Excellent Consistent Quality score of 90.7% in mid-2023, indicating that over nine out of ten tests met the minimum performance thresholds required for high-demand applications.

Ericsson, a key global player in VoLTE technology, has been instrumental in driving the widespread adoption of high-definition voice services over LTE, Wi-Fi, and 5G networks. As of 2018, Ericsson, along with Nokia and Huawei, accounted for over 70% of the global VoLTE market. The company projected that VoLTE subscriptions would reach 6.3 billion by the end of 2024, reflecting its extensive role in enabling VoLTE adoption worldwide. Ericsson’s VoLTE solutions continue to facilitate superior voice communication across various mobile and broadband networks, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of next-generation telecom services.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

July 2024: Digi Spain has launched VoLTE and VoWiFi services, expanding high-quality voice capabilities for all customers. VoLTE enables calls over 4G or 5G networks, offering better quality, faster connections, and simultaneous voice-data usage. Meanwhile, VoWiFi allows calls over Wi-Fi in areas with poor mobile coverage, enhancing voice clarity and coverage without extra charges. The service activation follows initial trials and underscores Digi's commitment to modernizing telecommunications offerings in Spain.

January 2025: Market Growth and Adoption: Global Expansion: VoLTE services are currently available through 262 operators across 120 countries, with 194 companies launching VoLTE-HD voice services.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.