LTE Window Might Exist for Over-the-Top VoIP Providers

There's no telling how big a window might exist for over-the-top voice providers on some fourth-generation networks, but there is a window of some sort, as some operators have launched, or will launch, 4G networks in "data-only" mode at first, adding native 4G voice capability later.

Operators are not in a hurry to deliver voice services over LTE networks, says Robert Poe, Heavy Reading analyst, at least in part because they can use existing 3G or 2G networks to deliver voice services. Many, perhaps most customers, won't care. But some will, and that means Skype, fring, Nimbuzz and others have a shot at snagging some customers before the mobile operator can offer all-IP communications.

Of course, at least some early 4G networks launched fully in data-only mode, aiming at the mobile PC user rather than the mobile handset user.

Light Reading Mobile - 4G/LTE - LTE Voice Lag Leaves Operators Vulnerable