MetroPCS to begin VoIP transition in early 2012

MetroPCS will introduce its first carrier VoIP services in the first quarter of 2012, CEO Roger Linquist said today during Metro’s earnings call. Using its new long-term evolution (LTE) network, MetroPCS will take the first steps in migrating its circuit-switched voice service over to an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-driven voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) service, a process it has already begun with the migration of its SMS and MMS services to the same platform.

“We are planning to begin introducing VoLTE-capable handsets early next year to move voice as well as data traffic to our LTE network,” Linquist said. Linquist added that moving to VoIP will allow MetroPCS to use its limited spectrum much more efficiently. While MetroPCS already is one of the most efficient operators on a subscriber per megahertz basis, it is always looking for more ways to increase that efficiency as well as expand its frequency base through strategic acquisitions., Lindquist said.