China Telecom and China Unicom Launch Industry-First Cross-Operator VoWiFi Traceability
Summary:
- China Telecom and China Unicom have successfully implemented the first cross-operator VoWiFi traceability in Shandong.
- This innovative solution enhances voice and text messaging services where cellular coverage is weak.
- The collaboration aims to establish industry standards for VoWiFi, improving user experience across networks.
In an exciting development for telecommunications, the China Telecommunications Research Institute announced on October 19 that China Telecom and China Unicom have pioneered the industry’s first cross-operator traceability system for Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) calls in Shandong. This breakthrough addresses the challenges posed by weak indoor cellular coverage, enhancing voice and text messaging capability across different networks.
A Collaborative Leap in Technology
The initiative was coordinated by a special group formed by China Telecom Group and China Unicom Group, which aimed to develop a collaborative technology for VoWiFi. The first successful call leveraging this innovative "cross-connection" solution was facilitated by the China Telecom Research Institute. This initiative introduces clear interaction agreements between operators, ensuring accurate traceability across a wide array of locations and merchant systems.
The joint effort is expected to set a new industry standard under the auspices of the China Communications Standards Association (CCSA), paving the way for widespread adoption of cross-operator VoWiFi services and addressing existing gaps in relevant industry regulations.
Streamlined Traceability Mechanisms
The implementation involved pilot projects in Shandong and Hunan, where the China Telecom Research Institute proposed a strategic optimization plan. This plan integrates ePDG (Evolved Packet Data Gateway) addresses of both operators on non-root DNS servers, simplifying the discovery mechanisms and improving interoperability. As a result, users enjoy seamless access to VoWiFi services, which operate "unperceptively," allowing for a smoother experience.
To address the existing issues with inconsistent emergency call area divisions between different operators, a traceability gateway judgment mechanism was developed. This enables rapid identification and response to issues, enhancing overall communication security.
Enhanced Services for Roaming Users
In addition to these improvements, the research team tackled the access failure challenges faced by roaming users due to varied network deployment progress. They successfully validated a route optimization solution for these users through 3GPP AAA authentication in visited locations. The implementation of this solution is anticipated to broaden the user base for VoWiFi services, thus improving utilization rates and expanding service scenarios, including integration into satellite communications.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the China Telecom Research Institute aims to deepen its technological collaboration with China Unicom. The focus will be on enhancing the security and openness of VoWiFi shared services, as well as extending their availability to more regions and scenarios. This initiative is a crucial step toward integrating these advancements into future 6G developments.
China Telecom previously made headlines as the first operator to launch VoWiFi services back in May 2023. By enabling users to make voice and video calls over WiFi, the capabilities of mobile devices have been significantly enhanced. As long as a WiFi network is available indoors, 5G users can now communicate effectively, making calls and sending text messages seamlessly through WiFi.
The introduction of VoWiFi represents a significant advancement in telecommunication technology, especially for users in densely populated areas such as high-rise buildings or residential complexes where cellular signals can be weak. This development ensures that users can fully realize the benefits of a gigabit network experience, even when traditional cellular networks fall short.
In summary, the cross-operator VoWiFi traceability solution initiated by China Telecom and China Unicom signifies a transformative moment in the telecommunications industry. By addressing critical issues related to coverage and interoperability, this collaboration not only improves user experience but sets the stage for continued innovation in the field.
Conclusion
The strides made in VoWiFi technology reflect a commitment to enhancing connectivity and communication reliability for users across different networks. As these operators work together to solidify their solutions into industry standards, the future promises to be filled with enhanced services and improved user experiences across the board.
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