Meeting the challenge of poor voice quality: A problem affecting mobile networks since inception

2010-02-02

Copenhagen, Denmark, February 2nd 2010: Anritsu A/S, a global provider of Operations Support Systems (OSS) for advanced and converged networks, announced today the launch of “Network-wide Voice Quality” for the MasterClaw monitoring system. This solves a major concern of mobile subscribers that was previously impossible for Service Providers to address. “Network-wide Voice Quality” is now deployed in both traditional and Voice over IP networks and is available for immediate delivery.

Whether poor voice quality is caused by poor radio conditions, heavy compression, poor quality in 3rd party networks or something else, the result is the same; Dissatisfied customers, shorter calls, diversion of revenue to the fixed network, customer complaints and eventually churn. Detecting, investigating and removing the causes of poor voice quality have been almost impossible for mobile network operators, until now. MasterClaw Voice Quality directly addresses this challenge. Unlike many other monitoring systems, MasterClaw now analyses the “Quality of Service” and the quality of the connection.

Typical applications of MasterClaw Voice Quality:

• Customer Care
  When a customer complains about poor voice quality on a recent call, Service Providers can now provide immediate feedback on whether this is confirmed by the network, and handle the customer complaint efficiently
  
• Marketing Advantage
  Use voice quality measurement to differentiate your service from competitors. Offer SLAs to corporate and VIP customers. Report voice quality scores in marketing campaigns
  
• Quality control for Least Cost Routing
  Is the lowest cost carrier to a destination also the best value? Many low cost carriers use heavy compression algorithms which save bandwidth but reduce voice quality. Now you can compare the quality and price when selecting outgoing routes
  
• Problem Isolation
  When a problem is severe, engineers can isolate the cause of poor voice quality by comparing voice quality measurements at various points in the call (radio access, core network, IMS or VoIP gateway, interconnect, etc)
  
• Network Operations
  Monitor voice quality 24/7 across the network. Set thresholds and alarms to trigger preventative actions to restore good voice quality before it affects customers
  

“Voice is still a major source of revenue for mobile carriers. Now network operators can manage the quality of voice connections in the same way MasterClaw already enables them to manage the reliably of setting up calls“, says Gerald Ostheimer, CEO Anritsu Service Assurance division. “We have already received very positive feedback when deploying this product both at the edge, and at the core of networks. This changes the game in network and service monitoring.”

About Anritsu Corporation
Anritsu Corporation (www.anritsu.com) has been a provider of innovative communications solutions for more than 110 years. The company's solution portfolio includes test and measurement solutions and service assurance solutions that address the technology lifecycle from R&D and lab testing, to operational support systems for in-service network monitoring and service assurance. The test and measurement solutions include wireless, optical, microwave/RF and digital instruments that can be used during R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed devices for embedment into communication products and systems.

Anritsu’s award winning service assurance solutions offer an integrated portfolio of applications combining network monitoring and optimization with a unique suite of service intelligence solutions for service and customer experience management. As a long-time leader in 3G solutions, Anritsu is committed to supporting the delivery of next-generation networks, addressing emerging technologies such as LTE, HSPA Evolution, MIMO, WiMAX and high-speed optical and IP networks. Anritsu sells in more than 90 countries worldwide with approximately 4,000 employees

For more information contact
Neil Tomlinson
Anritsu Service Assurance Division, Global Marketing and Product Management Director
Tel: +45 72 11 22 00
Fax: +45 72 11 2210
Email: neil.tomlinson@anritsu.com

Kim Kisbye
Anritsu Service Assurance Division, Marketing Manager
Tel: +45 72 11 22 00
Fax: +45 72 11 2210
Email: kim.kisbye@anritsu.com