Aricent, Contela and Mindspeed Technologies, have integrated Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) into small cell base stations. The new solution features the Mindspeed Transcede T3000 system-on-chip (SoC) in a Contela LTE small cell product, with fully-integrated carrier-class software from both Mindspeed and Aricent that meets 3GPP Release 9 “Home eNodeB” specifications ( including support for self organising network (SON) features).

Traditional base station products have supported LTE data services only, leaving voice to be carried by the legacy 3G network, most likely on a macrocell. According to Informa Research, 98% of carriers agree that small cells are essential to their LTE network rollout and so support for voice is a critical aspect.VoLTE is the preferred way to carry voice calls over the all-IP LTE network, but only a few carriers have adopted it so far.

Most LTE deployments use legacy network technologies (Circuit Switched Fall Back or CSFB) for enabling voice connectivity which has various drawbacks including low battery life and network inefficiencies. VoLTE voice calls can have  guaranteed bandwidth and quality of service (QoS) which enables “HD voice,” using wider bandwidths and better quality codecs to delive clearer calls than traditional cellular or even landline voice services.

“We have demonstrated our leadership position in carrier-class small cells in both 3G and now LTE,”  said Jang Ahn Kwon, VP&CMO of Contela, “But this industry is built on eco-systems and we could not have done it so quickly without our partners at Mindspeed and Aricent. Operators around the world are deploying carrier-class, public-access small cells as a fundamental part of their networks, which started with HSPA and has become mainstream with LTE. We are proud to have taken a step forward with this support for native VoLTE in our products.”

“VoLTE is a highly important technology for wider deployment of LTE, and we are pleased to have played a critical role in developing the VoLTE software  and enabling this service in collaboration with our partners,” said Pratyush Dasgupta, vice president and head of wireless practice , at Aricent.  “Aricent is one of the leaders in developing LTE eNodeB software and we are constantly investing in LTE and enhancing our solution by incorporating features such as VoLTE and SON that help provide robust coverage and connectivity in a range of deployment scenarios.”

"Without VoLTE a 4G small cell is only delivering a fraction of its true potential, so we are pleased to enable this service," said Naser Adas, general manager of the wireless business unit of Mindspeed. "Once more we have demonstrated Mindspeed’s small cell SoC technology leadership: working with partners to improve small cell technology, to deliver better services for consumers and better economics for mobile operators."