Overview:

IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is based on an integrated open-system architecture format and supports an extensive range of IP-based services over both packet and circuit switched networks through the deployment of wireless and fixed access technologies; it has the potential to support ambitious rich user experiences.  Fourth generation (4G) data services are in the deployment stage, but is will be a few years until there is ubiquitous Long Term Evolution (LTE) coverage. 

Meanwhile, there are competitive threats emerging against incumbent carriers' core voice services.  This is coming at a time when all bearer services (voice and data) are becoming marginalized due to market expectations, economic conditions, and a coming supply side expansion in terms of network capacity.  Incumbent carriers leverage IMS, SDP, and other NGN technologies to offer their own differentiating capabilities and service offerings.  Network operators must leverage IMS, SDP, and other NGN technologies to offer their own differentiating capabilities and service offerings.

This report evaluates the challenges and opportunities for network operators deploying and operating Voice over LTE (VoLTE).  One of the business challenges discussed is anticipated future voice margin erosion due to a variety of factors.  The report analyzes the need for carriers to deploy Value-added Service (VAS) applications in support of VoLTE as well as differentiating non-voice services.  It evaluates key IMS/LTE applications including business drivers and anticipated challenges and opportunities.  The report also includes a revenue forecast for IMS/LTE applications for 2011 to 2016.

Report Benefits:

• IMS/LTE application revenue forecast for 2011 to 2016
• Understand the business drivers and revenue potential for applications
• Understand the challenges in VoLTE and the need for IMS/LTE applications
• Identify the key IMS/LTE applications that the incumbent network operators must deploy

Audience:

• System integrators will better ascertain the value of the market size for IMS
• Wireless and wireline operators will gain insights into the value provided by IMS and its implications to their business
• Telecom network infrastructure vendors will assess the importance of establishing or maintaining their presence among IMS stakeholders

Executive Summary            3

Introduction   4

Voice over LTE (VoLTE)     6

VoLTE Alternative: CSFB via 3G  6

VoLTE Alternative: VoLGA via Circuits within LTE       7

VoLTE Deployment and Operation Challenges            7

IMS and LTE Applications  8

Value-added Service (VAS) Applications           9

Key VAS Enablers for VoLTE        10

Presence       10

Presence in IMS      12

Dynamic Address Book      17

IMS and LTE Applications Analysis         18

Personalized Communications and Information           19

Universal Prepay: Communications, Content, and Entertainment    20

Consumer and Business Voice Services           22

Rich Calling Applications  24

Next Generation Video Calling     26

Next Generation Messaging          33

IMS-based Unified Communications       35

Push-to-X Applications       43

Next Generation Entertainment Services            49

Next Generation Video on Demand (VOD)         55

Community of Interest Communications60

Augmented Reality: Public Safety and Consumer Applications        61

Next Generation Customer Relationship Management (CRM)           63

Next Generation Dispatch, Tele-workers and Remote Workforce      64

Identity Protection in an IMS Environment         65

Universal Billing: Communications, Content, Commerce, and Applications           65

Next Generation Social Networking         66

Beyond "Mobile" Commerce: Anytime, Anywhere, Any Device          67

Beyond Application Integration: Services Blending      68

Advertising Everything: IMS drives Advertising Opportunities            70

IMS/LTE Application Revenue Forecast for 2011 - 2016         71

Summary and Recommendations            73

What is driving the Need to make these Investments?73

New Applications, Features, and Development Approaches  75

New Business Models with IMS and LTE           76

Appendix       78

SDP and IMS            78

What is a Service Delivery Platform?       78

SDP Architecture     78

What is IMS?            79

IMS Architecture      80