Global network operators are moving on with the decommissioning of 2G and 3G while leveraging the newly-available spectrum to expand 4G LTE. Looking on the bright side, network operators will be able to generate resources for further technology development through the shutdown, which will also open up new possibilities for IoT and M2M applications [1]. And to look at the negative side, as a result of the global 2G/3G switch-off; network coverage of devices that use these frequencies to transmit data which equates to about half of all IoT devices deployed globally is gradually being reduced.
Long Term Evolution (LTE) is created in accordance with the 3GPP cellular network specification, which uses the Diameter Protocol for signaling and charging management. The graph below demonstrates how exponentially the number of LTE users is growing around the world compared to previous technologies. Industry experts and analysts predict that the rise will continue in the upcoming years. Both the roaming signaling traffic and the diameter roaming traffic exhibit this growth. [2]
Figure 1: Evolution of global subscriptions for various cellular technologies ([2, 3])
Mobile network service providers strive to offer high data rates and the greatest QoS due to the rapid growth of LTE subscribers around the world. Likewise, users expect to receive high-quality data, phone, and multimedia services not only in their home mobile network but also while roaming into the network of a different operator. Operators must therefore use better services for international roaming.
Since it’s not always necessary that the LTE network is deployed in the visiting network, Interoperability is an issue coming with LTE networks, which is defined as switching from an LTE network to a 2G or 3G network while roaming. A roaming subscriber must move from one to another technology as there are various cellular network technologies. So, getting a roaming service that is compatible with not only 2G/3G, but also 4G carries importance for Mobile Network Operators.
Voice calling is broken internationally because VoLTE is not standardized: The compatibility of networks and devices is not ensured by the current 4G/5G Voice over LTE (VoLTE) standards. 911 and other emergency calls are not always guaranteed, especially while roaming. To communicate with each other and emergency services, people must be able to call and be called from anywhere in the world. GSM/3G emergency calling just functioned, whereas for VoLTE emergency calls; the appropriate device, network, and inter-operator roaming are all required. 2G/3G shutdowns should be stopped until there is a globally interoperable VoLTE with emergency calling access in order to maintain access to emergency services everywhere.
Long-term growth of LTE and 5G will create new opportunities for applications. Although it is a crucial phase in the development of new technologies, the shutdown of 2G and 3G frequencies is still creating some uncertainty and annoyance. To catch up with the requirements of this expansion while avoiding the effects of the shutdown, operators should switch their 2G/3G compliance services to the ones that provide 2G/3G and 4G (LTE) compliancy.
DiRoam RaaS stands out as one of the best solutions to eliminate VoLTE Steering functionality costs and handle the described issues of roaming messaging services while complying with the evolving requirements! RaaS can sniff both MAP and Diameter signaling trunks to extract the roaming user data and submit the welcome messages seamlessly.
Mobile network operators are exposed to high CapEx expenditures by vendors to provide LTE support on roaming platforms. Roaming Suite as a Service is designed to help operators reduce their OPEX while enhancing the subscriber experience and to propose competitive swap options. Check out DiRoam RaaS here.
References:
[1]. https://morethandigital.info/en/2g-and-3g-shutdown-implications-for-iot-and-m2m/
[3]. Matti Keskinen, U. o. O. Mobile Network Evolution.