VoWLAN An Essential Tool For Operators, Analyst Says

Wireless operators must embrace new technologies like voice-over-WLAN (VoWLAN) or risk losing business, according to a study released Thursday by Pyramid Research.

The study noted the beginning of the trend of migrating voice service from more traditional fixed-line services to mobile networks. However, before mobile operators can profit from that trend, they must embrace VoWLAN.

"Mobile operators must react soon," report author Svetlana Issaeva said in a statement. "This means integrating new delivery networks like WLAN and moving towards mobile VoIP, otherwise they risk losing ground to fixed-line operators, who are aggressively seeking to incorporate mobile services into their portfolios."

The problem for operators is exacerbated by the intense price competition for mobile voice service and the still-slow uptake of mobile data services, Issaeva said. VoWLAN gives traditional landline operators, who have been losing revenue to mobile operators, a chance to get some of that revenue back, she added.