The New Wireless World of Voice

Ten to fifteen years ago, LEC-based networks carried more than 90 percent of voice traffic. Today, that number has dropped to about 40 percent — and it continues to fall quickly. A similar trend, in smaller numbers, finds users moving to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). And, according to Frost & Sullivan, U.S. mobile phone penetration will practically double in the period spanning 2002 – 2012, from 45.7% to 87.4%. As wireless continues its momentum to become the pervasive technology for communications, Level 3 Communications® is prepared to deliver.

“Our customers are well-situated in the voice space because of our extensive transport network, our track record for voice quality and our combined leadership in IP and VoIP,” says Shaun Andrews, vice president of product management at Level 3.  

Even those not directly involved recognize that part of their core business relies on connectivity to the wireless world. Level 3 is positioned to provide easy connectivity to wireless endpoints as the technology continues to broaden its reach. Andrews continues, “Different situations demand different approaches. No matter which approach makes sense in a given situation, Level 3 can help customers take advantage of these emerging trends with a very robust portfolio of services.”

Rather than retrofitting yesterday’s solutions to adapt to a changing environment, the Level 3 Network is designed to closely integrate your network with the trend toward wireless. In fact, in the past two years, Level 3 has invested more than $50 million in our network, expanding our reach to more than 260 on-net MTSOs. Because we’re consistently building fiber to locations on wireless and cable MSO networks, those companies can leverage Level 3’s backbone to carry voice and data traffic. At the same time, our voice business is physically connected at the network layer to locations where the network is being built, which reduces our costs and can help support your efforts to save.

For customers like you, the rise of wireless voice has different implications, depending on your industry. Wholesale customers, for example, need higher bandwidth solutions and connectivity to locations that are relatively new in the network landscape. 

As the adoption of IP voice technologies increases within the enterprise market, Level 3 offers a sophisticated VoIP network and expertise. Our core network intelligence can position you to take advantage of emerging applications that promise to support improved business communications and connectivity. 

Level 3 is emerging as a leader in enabling evolving business models for content delivery. Our connectivity into wireless networks, including at the voice layer, can enable you to deliver content more efficiently as IP-enabled voice devices become ubiquitous.

Technology continues to converge and wireless technologies and mobile devices are taking on an ever-more pervasive role. As a Level 3 customer, this is good news for you. Because Level 3 is an underlying provider that is working to drive wireless adoption and make emerging technologies possible, you can continue to look to us for cost-effective, trend-forward solutions to ensure you remain competitive.