Frequently Asked Questions
The mobile world is rapidly evolving with 5G acceleration and the eventual sunset of legacy 2G and 3G networks. Implementing VoLTE roaming and comprehensive VoLTE roaming testing is no longer optional, it’s essential for mobile network operators (MNOs) committed to delivering an exceptional global user experience.
Implementing and testing VoLTE roaming services comes with significant hurdles, often challenging MNOs with tight timelines, budget constraints, and limited resources. Navigating this intricate landscape demands specialized expertise to ensure smooth and efficient deployments. Partnering with seasoned roaming testing professionals can dramatically simplify this process, accelerate launches, and optimize efficiency.
The following delves into the essential aspects of VoLTE roaming testing and its implementation, pulling from the expert insights of the Syniverse VoLTE roaming testing team. We’ll address key questions about the "why" and "how" of VoLTE roaming, alongside the critical test process and test cases vital for seamlessly integrating this powerful capability into a modern mobile network infrastructure.
Q: Why is VoLTE roaming important?
A: The advent of 5G is set to transform voice services, and VoLTE roaming will be key to making mobile phones a truly global communications tool in this new era of connectivity. Serving as a bridge between existing 4G networks and emerging 5G networks, VoLTE maintains high-quality voice calls throughout the transition, offering a reliable solution while mobile network operators continue to implement full 5G capabilities.
Beyond basic call functionality, VoLTE roaming also enables MNOs to extend advanced voice services, such as HD voice, video calling, and multimedia messaging services (MMS), to their roaming subscribers. This is a significant differentiator, enabling MNOs to offer a richer, more comprehensive communication experience to customers while they are abroad. It ensures that subscribers don't have to sacrifice features or quality when they travel, maintaining a consistent and satisfying user experience whether on LTE or Wi-Fi.
Q: Why is VoLTE roaming testing important?
A: Comprehensive VoLTE roaming testing is critical for ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for mobile users roaming on LTE networks. It validates the functionality and performance of both Local Break Out (LBO) and S8 Home Routing (S8HR) VoLTE roaming services, which determine how voice traffic is routed when a subscriber roams from their Home Public Mobile Network (HPMN) to a Visited Public Mobile Network (VPMN). Testing confirms that calls will connect and sound clear, no matter where a subscriber travels.
With the sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks rapidly approaching, VoLTE roaming is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity. Without it, subscribers will lose voice service in areas where older technologies are being decommissioned. Thorough VoLTE roaming testing is essential for guaranteeing that subscribers can access the same advanced voice services, like HD voice and video calling, while roaming as they do at home. Imagine traveling internationally and suddenly losing the ability to make voice calls – VoLTE roaming testing prevents this. Furthermore, automated, periodic testing allows MNOs to proactively monitor Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE), identifying and resolving performance issues in real time. This proactive approach minimizes disruptions and ensures consistent user experience.
Q: Why is IREG and TADIG testing necessary in the implementation of VoLTE roaming?
A: The foundation of any successful roaming partnership, whether between regional or international MNOs, is a commitment to providing consistent and high-quality experience for subscribers. This requires rigorous testing, continuous monitoring, and comprehensive agreements around billing and levels of service that need to be met for quality service to be provided. International Roaming Expert Group (IREG) and Transferred Account Data Interchange Group (TADIG) testing, both developed by the GSMA, are essential components of this process.
IREG testing verifies that core mobile services, including voice calls, SMS, and data, function correctly when a subscriber roams from their home network to a visited network. It ensures basic interoperability and that essential services are available. Think of it as the foundation upon which all other roaming services are built.
TADIG testing focuses on the crucial aspect of billing accuracy. It confirms that roaming partners can correctly bill each other for VoLTE calls and other services. This includes validating the performance of billing systems and ensuring that any software or hardware changes don't introduce billing errors. Accurate billing is essential for both MNOs and subscribers. Without it, disputes and revenue loss can occur.
Both IREG and TADIG testing are vital in VoLTE roaming implementation to ensure interoperability and billing accuracy between mobile operators.
Q: The complexities of establishing and managing VoLTE roaming testing agreements can be immense. How does Syniverse help alleviate these complexities for MNOs?
A: To successfully roll out VoLTE roaming, a comprehensive test process must focus on two areas, Roaming Coordination and Roaming Testing Services. Both play integral parts in streamlining a complex process while assuring a proper configuration is successfully made and meets approved standards. Syniverse VoLTE Roaming Testing service offers both roaming agreement facilitation and VoLTE roaming testing. Through roaming agreement facilitation efforts, we help:
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Manage and prioritize the roaming partner list, focusing resources on partners our customers deem priority.
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Facilitate roaming agreements finalization, including obtaining status and outstanding signatures.
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Produce status reporting and tracking.
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Offer assigned support to test scheduling and communication with roaming partners.
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Assist with final commercial launch.
Through VoLTE Roaming Testing services, we offer:
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Assistance with network provisioning.
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SIM Management.
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IR.25 VoLTE roaming test cases for comprehensive coverage.
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Extensive troubleshooting efforts to bring resolution as quickly as possible.
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VoLTE IREG and TADIG verification.
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Testing of device service profiles.
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Managing of the Test Completion Certificate (TCC) process to coordinate final launch.
This end-to-end approach simplifies the test process and accelerates VoLTE deployments for MNOs.
Q. Why should an operator choose Syniverse to help with VoLTE roaming testing needs?
A. The pressure is on MNOs. With half of MNOs still needing to launch VoLTE roaming and the accelerated shutdown of older networks, efficiency is paramount. Delays in testing and launch can lead to service disruptions and customer dissatisfaction.
Syniverse is uniquely positioned to help MNOs navigate these challenges. We offer unparalleled expertise, extensive global testing coverage, and top-tier support along with superior managed services and accelerated testing processes that help MNOs achieve faster time to market. Our proven methodology streamlines the entire process, enabling faster revenue generation, and lowering operating costs.
We go beyond the basic GSMA requirements, incorporating the most common test cases requested by MNOs. Our comprehensive troubleshooting support includes assistance with network configurations, location update tracing, and call attempt analysis. Furthermore, our team of experts has developed a proprietary knowledge database to significantly improve launch times. Choosing Syniverse means choosing efficiency, expertise, and a commitment to delivering a superior VoLTE roaming experience.
Conclusion
In today's rapidly changing mobile landscape, it’s essential for MNOs to implement solutions and prioritize effective VoLTE roaming testing. With legacy networks retiring and 5G pushing forward, ensuring seamless, high-quality voice services for global travelers is paramount.
As we've explored, comprehensive testing, encompassing IREG and TADIG, is not just a necessity — it's the bedrock of a successful, financially viable 5G roaming strategy.
The complexities of establishing and managing VoLTE roaming agreements and testing can be overwhelming, but they don't have to be a barrier. Solutions like Syniverse's dedicated VoLTE Roaming Testing services offer a clear pathway through these challenges, providing the crucial coordination and lifecycle support needed for proper configuration and adherence to global standards.
Ultimately, choosing the right partner for your VoLTE roaming testing needs is a strategic decision. With hundreds of MNOs still needing to launch VoLTE roaming and the pressure of older network shutdowns mounting, efficiency, expertise, and comprehensive support are non-negotiable. By prioritizing thorough testing and leveraging specialized knowledge, MNOs can ensure their subscribers always have access to advanced, reliable voice services, no matter where their journeys lead them.
Ready to ensure your VoLTE roaming testing delivers flawless voice quality worldwide? Contact Syniverse to discover how our managed roaming services and expert testing process can accelerate your launches and help you provide exceptional customer experiences.
