Building the case for an IP-communications future
This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form below.
Report details
Building the case for an IP-communications future
GSMA Intelligence is today publishing a report on the case for operator-provided IP-communications, and the future of Voice over LTE, Video over LTE, and Rich Communication Services (RCS).
Mobile communication has evolved dramatically over the past twenty years, from the advent of SMS and mobile messaging, to the emergence of smartphones and the mobile application ecosystem. Innovative third-party service providers have pushed the boundaries of digital communications and shown us what users now expect from modern mobile communications services. Following the growth of LTE and the development of new mainstream IP-communications services, mobile network operators are now in a position to respond.
This report examines the different components that make up IP-communications, and discusses the importance of richness, reach and reliability to the end user value proposition. We present an analysis of the different ways mobile network operators should expect to benefit from IP-communications in the coming years, as well as evidence that the industry is now in a strong position to make a globally interconnected IP-communications network a reality.
Our data indicates that IP-communications is approaching something of a tipping point in both network support and native handset integration. According to our figures, by the end of 2020 there will be approximately 450 live VoLTE networks and 300 live RCS networks. We also forecast that in the same timeframe up to 85% of shipped smartphones will be VoLTE capable, and that up to 88% of shipped smartphones will be natively IP-messaging/RCS capable.
Download the Report
Complete the form below to get instant access to this content. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
By submitting this form, you agree that your email address and related activity on the platform will be processed for the purpose of generating and providing the requested report. Your data will be shared with GSMA Intelligence for this purpose. For more information, please see the GSMA Intelligence Privacy Policy.
Report details
Building the case for an IP-communications future
Related research
Operators at MWC Barcelona 2026: strategies, innovation and messages shaping the industry
This report examines operators’ engagement at MWC Barcelona 2026, highlighting their announcements, innovations, strategy updates and messaging, in addition to examining implications for telecoms ecosystem players. We show our findings for 17 major operators across 12 areas of focus, including AI, 5G, B2B, B2C, cloud/edge and emerging tech such as APIs and non-terrestrial networks.
MWC Barcelona 2026: AI and sovereignty battle for dominance in a post-5G world
Around 105,000 people from 207 countries attended MWC Barcelona 2026. The show attracted more than 2,900 exhibitors, including telecoms operators, vendors and firms from across the broader technology ecosystem. This report examines the key announcements and innovations that took centre stage, what came as a surprise and what it all means for telecoms and the wider TMT industry.
Global Mobile Trends 2026
Global Mobile Trends 2026 highlights the opportunities and innovations ahead, as well as the challenges facing the mobile industry and beyond. Covering topics including AI, 5G, autonomous networks, devices, security, quantum, satellites, energy innovation and eSIM, the report focuses on what matters in 2026 and the implications for the industry. The latest edition of Global Mobile Trends delivers expert insights into the key trends that will define the mobile ecosystem in 2026 and beyond. Backed by GSMA Intelligence’s industry-leading research and data, the report provides an authoritative look at the forces shaping the next wave of connectivity and innovation.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Operators at MWC Barcelona 2026: strategies, innovation and messages shaping the industry
This report examines operators’ engagement at MWC Barcelona 2026, highlighting their announcements, innovations, strategy updates and messaging, in addition to examining implications for telecoms ecosystem players. We show our findings for 17 major operators across 12 areas of focus, including AI, 5G, B2B, B2C, cloud/edge and emerging tech such as APIs and non-terrestrial networks.
MWC Barcelona 2026: AI and sovereignty battle for dominance in a post-5G world
Around 105,000 people from 207 countries attended MWC Barcelona 2026. The show attracted more than 2,900 exhibitors, including telecoms operators, vendors and firms from across the broader technology ecosystem. This report examines the key announcements and innovations that took centre stage, what came as a surprise and what it all means for telecoms and the wider TMT industry.
Global Mobile Trends 2026
Global Mobile Trends 2026 highlights the opportunities and innovations ahead, as well as the challenges facing the mobile industry and beyond. Covering topics including AI, 5G, autonomous networks, devices, security, quantum, satellites, energy innovation and eSIM, the report focuses on what matters in 2026 and the implications for the industry. The latest edition of Global Mobile Trends delivers expert insights into the key trends that will define the mobile ecosystem in 2026 and beyond. Backed by GSMA Intelligence’s industry-leading research and data, the report provides an authoritative look at the forces shaping the next wave of connectivity and innovation.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics