VoIP (Voice over IP) is the backbone of modern business communication, offering cost savings, flexibility, and integration with other digital services. However, how these services are deployed can make or break their quality—and ultimately, client satisfaction. In South Africa, it’s not uncommon for VoIP providers to install an LTE modem at business premises to deliver their services. While this might seem like a quick and convenient solution, it’s fundamentally flawed due to the inherent limitations of LTE connectivity.
The Problem with LTE for VoIP
LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a wireless broadband technology designed primarily for mobile internet access. While it offers reasonable speeds in optimal conditions, it has several inherent challenges that make it unsuitable for enterprise-grade VoIP deployments:
High Latency
LTE connections typically suffer from higher latency compared to fibre or microwave links. Latency directly affects VoIP call quality, introducing noticeable delays in conversation.
Jitter
VoIP requires a consistent flow of data packets to maintain clear audio quality. LTE networks often experience jitter (variability in packet delivery times), leading to choppy audio and degraded call quality.
Packet Loss
Packet loss on LTE networks can result in dropped calls, missing audio, or robotic-sounding voices. This is particularly problematic in areas where LTE spectrum is oversaturated.
Spectrum Starvation
LTE relies on a finite amount of spectrum, which is shared among all users in a given area. In densely populated or high-usage zones, performance plummets, making it unreliable for VoIP.
Inappropriate Hardware
The operators typically supply a cheap modem such as the Huawei HGs which are not appropriate for business use and typically are widely compromised and have been incorporated into bots and leveraged in cyberattacks.
The Better Approach | Leveraging Existing Fibre or Microwave Links
Most businesses already have reliable internet connections via fibre or microwave links. These connections are inherently more stable and performant than LTE and are perfectly suited for VoIP. By leveraging these existing resources, VoIP providers can ensure superior call quality and reliability.
Enter SD-WAN | The Game-Changer
SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) solutions, like Fusion’s platform, provide the perfect mechanism for delivering high-quality VoIP over existing business internet connections. Here’s how:
Optimised Path Selection
Fusion’s SD-WAN dynamically routes VoIP traffic over the best-performing path, reducing latency, jitter, and packet loss. This ensures calls are always clear and uninterrupted.
WAN Optimisation
SD-WAN includes features like packet deduplication and error correction, which further enhance VoIP quality by mitigating issues like packet loss.
Failover and Redundancy
Fusion SD-WAN can aggregate multiple connections, such as fibre and microwave links, ensuring that if one link fails, VoIP calls automatically switch to the other without interruption.
Centralised Management
Providers can monitor and manage VoIP traffic in real time, addressing issues proactively before they impact customers.
Quality of Service (QoS)
SD-WAN allows VoIP traffic to be prioritised over less time-sensitive data, ensuring that voice calls always receive the bandwidth and low latency they require.
The Business Benefits
By moving away from LTE modems and adopting SD-WAN for VoIP deployments, providers and businesses can unlock several key benefits:
Improved Call Quality
Stable, high-quality calls lead to better customer satisfaction and fewer complaints.
Enhanced Client Retention
Businesses that experience consistent VoIP performance are more likely to stay loyal to their service provider.
Cost Savings
Leveraging existing internet connections eliminates the need for separate LTE data plans, reducing operational costs.
Scalability
SD-WAN supports growing business needs, ensuring that VoIP services remain reliable as organisations expand.
Wrap
The practice of deploying LTE modems for VoIP in South African businesses is a short-term fix that creates long-term problems. LTE’s inherent limitations—latency, jitter, packet loss, and spectrum constraints—make it ill-suited for enterprise-grade VoIP services.
By leveraging existing fibre or microwave links and implementing an SD-WAN solution like Fusion’s, VoIP providers can deliver superior call quality, enhance client satisfaction, and improve retention rates. This isn’t just a technical upgrade; it’s a strategic move that ensures VoIP services meet the demands of modern business communication.
