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 and SDP
• Application developers that need a better understanding of the economics from the operator and end-user perspective
• Wireless and wireline operators will gain insights into the value provided by IMS and SDP and the implications to their business
• Telecom network infrastructure vendors will assess the importance of establishing or maintaining their presence among IMS and SDP stakeholders

TABLE OF CONTENTS
        
Executive Summary

Introduction

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