Initial 5G network deployments focused on 5G-nSA (non-Stand Alone), providing data-only services connected to legacy 4G/LTE networks for signaling. As such, 5G could never extend beyond the existing LTE footprint, limiting capabilities and data speed potential. Additionally, voice services critical to consumer-focused mobile networks were unavailable on the 5G technology. Voice of New Radio (VoNR) in 5G networks requires the move to 5G-SA (Stand Alone) deployments with a dedicated 5G Packet Core and IMS.
5G Voice over New Radio (VoNR) enables voice communication over 5G standalone networks. It utilizes the 5G radio technology to provide users with a seamless, high-quality voice experience. Unlike previous generations of voice services mostly carried over legacy networks, VoNR allows for voice calls to be transmitted over an IP-based 5G network, resulting in improved call quality, lower latency, and enhanced capacity.
The need for 5G standalone deployment with VoNR arises because standalone 5G networks, by design, leverage the full capabilities of 5G, including new spectrum bands, advanced radio technologies, and network slicing. By deploying a standalone 5G network, operators have the network infrastructure optimized for delivering voice services, enabling advanced features such as multi-party calls, ultra-high-definition voice, and seamless handovers between 5G and other networks. Standalone deployment also allows for easier integration of VoNR with other 5G services, such as augmented reality and virtual reality.
VoNR plays a crucial role by enabling operators to leverage their 5G networks for voice services and generate additional revenue streams. With the increasing consumer demand for high-quality voice communication, operators can capitalize on the enhanced capabilities of VoNR to offer premium voice services and attract more customers. Additionally, VoNR can reduce reliance on legacy voice networks, leading to operator cost savings and improved network management efficiency.
The difference between voice and data quality issues is that customers can hear them with voice. The consumer rarely detects slow transmission rates, handover to legacy technologies, and loss of packets in data. However, voice performance issues are instantaneous. As such, network operators must be careful in deploying voice services on 5G networks as 4G-LTE and 3G-UMTS/EVDO rollouts brought painful consumer lessons for early adopters. Handoff between technologies during call setup or a voice session is considered a hard handover with typically poor performance, resulting in lost audio and premature termination of calls.
The need for continuous coverage across the 5G-SA network for a quality voice experience, in turn, drives an improved data experience for consumers. Voice issues (poor quality, drops, access failures) expose network issues often overlooked in data performance, accelerating network improvement initiatives. With voice performance usually the most significant contributor to customer perception of a mobile network, the focus on voice KPIs drives improved data KPIs and added customer satisfaction.