September 30, 2020
VoLTE or Voice over LTE is rapidly becoming the standard for calling because of its high quality voice calls and the ability to use voice and data at the same time. It enables users to conduct up to six-way conference calls and helps them use internet at the fastest speed while speaking on an HD voice or video calls. Not only does it offer better communication with crystal clear audio quality, but also empowers telecom companies to unravel new revenue potential, using IMS as common service platform.
VoLTE network’s spectral efficiency is twice to four times to that of 2G or 4G networks which signifies that only a certain amount of spectrum is required for voice service provisioning while the rest can be allocated for IoT, 4G data and numerous other services to increase revenue.
Complicated device configuration – A challenge for proliferation of VoLTE services
Although VoLTE evolution has enabled a new era of HD calling and superior experience, however, major challenges for proliferation of VoLTE services have been the lack of automated device configuration, unsure service availability while travelling abroad and repeated firmware upgrades. Therefore, the sourcing of VoLTE handsets and subsequent deployment of networks as well as services have become slow and costly for telecom industries.
Devices cannot appropriately connect to the operators’ VoLTE services without automated device configuration because of which operators, who have launched VoLTE have to execute firmware customization process with manufacturers to hard code VoLTE and RCS settings in devices which is very time-consuming. Comprehensive network configuration and interoperability testing have to be carried out by operators to tune up their networks with specific device models and provide superior customer experience.
Moreover, in order to uphold the compatibility with particular operating system software versions of handsets, network parameters have to be hard-coded. Therefore, it results in long handset delivery times, heavy investments as well as hard network and service planning.
Device entitlement server – The VoLTE solution
Device entitlement server (DES) is a mobile network functionality that helps solve VoLTE handset configuration problems by allowing over the air configuration of operators’ service settings on a device. It enables operators to provide devices with a large set of parameters such as activated services, IMS credentials and service quality parameters. Device entitlement server offers telecommunications a standardized way to centrally and automatically authenticate VoLTE devices and push settings on a XML file to handsets over the air to enable customers to utilize services they are entitled to.
How does it work?
In order to use the VoLTE enabled device, at first a customer needs to register to the network and set up the default data bearer to exchange data with network or applications. This is followed by the authentication and authorization procedures and mobility management communication between an MME and the HSS where the subscriber profile is stored. The device and user authentication is needed to activate allowed services and features on the subscriber device.
Therefore, to enable correct services on the VoLTE handset, device entitlement server is needed to integrate with a carrier’s Business Support System (BSS) and retrieve user profile details. A configuration profile is created effectively based on subscribed services and device capabilities. The complete authentication process is executed through two HTTP(S) requests. In SMS based OTP (One Time Password) authentication procedure, device entitlement server sends an OTP to the device after fetching out the MSISDN through an HTTP request. Then, the authentication process is followed by VoLTE device configuration after which the customer can start using their VoLTE device.
How can telecom operators benefit from device entitlement server?
Increase Revenue
Device entitlement server empowers telecom operators to provide customers with new services such as multi-SIM and provisioning companion devices including laptops, smart watches, smart glasses and trackers. It helps expand their business into emerging markets such as consumer electronics, automotive, wearables and more to increase ARPU. The voice over LTE technology enables operators to add value to existing voice plans, completely utilize their IMS infrastructure and optimize spectrum efficiency, thereby increasing revenue.
Enhance Customer Experience
DES offers telecom industries with an ability to deliver advanced management of services such as VoWiFi and VoLTE, thus helping to make traffic management more efficient, offering high customer service and decreasing customer churn. It enables operators to auto configure settings for immediate data consumption at high speed and increase customer experience. IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) – the underlying network foundation for VoLTE supports multiple enhanced calling features which a customer will be able to access right from the native dialler instead of downloading a new app. Moreover, with VoLTE’s superior call quality, customers will be able to connect with each other more quickly.
Gain Competitive Advantage
All that a customer wants from service providers is high quality service and device entitlement server is here just to give that. Offering an effective solution to solve VoLTE handset configuration problems, DES helps telecom companies to enable customers utilize services that their devices are entitled to, thereby enhancing customer experience and satisfaction. Device entitlement server empowers operators to gain a competitive advantage over rival service providers and enhance their brand value.
Conclusion
VoLTE is much more than a better voice service and contributes to an overall superior experience for both customers as well as telecom operators. Therefore, device entitlement server helps with an effective solution to solve VoLTE handset configuration problems and empowers companies to deliver high quality customer service and gain a competitive advantage. It enables operators to reduce costs through spectrum efficiency and provides flexibility to deliver VoLTE services as well as build new communication services.