How 5G Networks Can Support and Enhance Voice Services

The rollout of 5G networks promises to bring new capabilities and experiences far beyond previous generations of mobile connectivity. While much emphasis has been placed on 5G‘s blazing fast data speeds and bandwidth, 5G will also provide critical improvements for voice services.

Overview of 5G Capabilities

Compared to 4G LTE networks, 5G offers significantly higher bandwidth, lower latency, and the ability to optimize the network for different use cases through capabilities like network slicing. Some key improvements enabled by 5G networks include:

• Data rates up to 10 Gbps, 10-100x faster than 4G LTE
• Latency reduced to 1-10 milliseconds, compared to about 50 ms on 4G
• Ability to support 100x more devices per unit area than 4G
• Reliability improved to 99.999% for mission-critical services

These foundational capabilities allow 5G networks to deliver not just faster mobile broadband, but also new innovations across areas like real-time communication, industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and more.

Introducing Voice over 5G New Radio (VoNR)

To provide voice services over 5G networks, the 5G standard has defined a new protocol called Voice over NR (VoNR). This is akin to Voice over LTE (VoLTE) that allowed voice calling to be delivered over 4G LTE data networks.

Some key capabilities enabled by VoNR on 5G networks include:

• Native voice calls carried directly over the 5G network instead of legacy 2G or 3G networks
• Higher quality HD voice and video calling supported
• Lower latency compared to VoLTE for more seamless real-time communication
• Integrated with 5G core network functions like network slicing for optimized voice
• Built on 5G radio access and air interface for more efficient use of spectrum

According to Nokia, VoNR voice calls can achieve latency down to just 10 milliseconds on 5G networks. This leads to a more responsive and lifelike call quality compared to VoLTE on 4G networks.

Comparing VoNR with VoLTE

While VoLTE delivered improved voice services over 4G compared to traditional 2G/3G calls, VoNR aims to take it to the next level on 5G. Some of the key differences between VoLTE and VoNR include:

• Network architecture: VoLTE relies on 4G LTE access and Evolved Packet Core (EPC). VoNR uses the 5G New Radio and 5G core network.
• Latency: VoNR can achieve 10-20 ms latency vs about 50 ms on VoLTE
• Quality: VoNR supports HD voice enhancements and new codecs for superior call quality
• Integration: VoNR natively integrated with 5G core network functions like network slicing.

So in summary, VoNR builds on top of the 5G foundations to offer better performance, new features, and tighter integration for voice services compared to VoLTE on 4G.

5G Standalone vs Non-Standalone Architecture

5G networks are being deployed in two phases known as non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA). The NSA architecture relies on existing 4G LTE networks for things like voice, SMS, and core network functions. This allows operators to rapidly launch 5G by leveraging their 4G infrastructure.

But in SA mode, the 5G network has its own complete core network and can natively support voice calling via VoNR. The SA architecture is required to realize the full benefits and capabilities of 5G including for voice services.

Many carriers have initially launched 5G in NSA mode but are migrating to SA over time as devices and network capabilities evolve. This will allow voice traffic to seamlessly shift from 4G to 5G without compromising experience.

Current Status of 5G Voice Deployment

According to Ericsson‘s Mobility Report, over 200 operators globally are investing in 5G SA networks to enable capabilities like voice over 5G. As of Q2 2022, they estimate that 20% of all 5G subscriptions are now on SA 5G networks supporting native voice calling.

Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have been at the forefront of 5G voice rollout through VoNR support on their latest 5G phone models. For example, Verizon reported doubling voice traffic carried over its 5G network within the last year as more users transition to 5G-capable devices.

Use Cases Enabled by 5G Voice

Beyond consumer cellular networks, 5G voice services like VoNR will be critical for some emerging use cases including:

• Mission-critical communication – 5G‘s reliability and low latency enables new real-time critical apps for public safety, utilities, and industrial settings.
• Private 5G networks – Enterprises deploying private 5G for facilities will need fully capable voice services alongside data networking.
• IoT and IIoT – Low bitrate voice services can connect IoT devices and sensors that need basic speech interfaces.

As those use cases rely on 5G‘s advanced capabilities, native voice services like VoNR will be essential to their operation and performance.

The Road Ahead

In summary, the rollout of 5G voice services is still in its early stages but picking up pace as standalone 5G network deployments increase globally. VoNR will allow operators to fully leverage 5G‘s advantages to offer superior quality, lower latency voice services to consumers and enterprise users.

With 5G coverage expanding rapidly and more capable devices supporting VoNR, adoption of high definition voice over 5G is poised to grow significantly over the next few years. This will unlock new innovations across consumer, commercial and industrial applications.