The Rise of OTT Voice Services in the Asia-Pacific Region
The communications landscape in the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid rise of OTT voice services, which have introduced unprecedented challenges to traditional telecom operators. OTT voice applications are proliferating across the region. In China, WeChat stands out, offering both one-on-one and group calls, and has become indispensable in the Chinese-speaking community. KakaoTalk, another prominent communication app, holds a strong presence in South Korea. This app facilitates a robust interactive chat experience, with a daily message exchange volume reaching 1 billion.
The Risks of Free OTT Voice Services
In the Asia-Pacific region, OTT communication apps are quickly gaining popularity thanks to their free services and diverse features, which appear to offer great convenience to users. However, these apps come with latent risks, particularly concerning privacy and emergency communication. Traditional operator networks excel in network coverage, stability, privacy protection, communication quality assurance, and support for emergency and public services. These advantages underscore the continued relevance and necessity of operator-provided voice services.
Moreover, telecom operators maintain strong collaborations with government bodies and public service agencies, ensuring the stability and security of societal infrastructure. For essential public services, such as emergency calls to the police, fire department, and medical services, operators guarantee prioritized handling and prompt responses, safeguarding the lives and property of citizens. This critical capability is absent in OTT voice applications, highlighting the irreplaceable value of operator voice services.
Strategies to Boost Operator Voice Revenue
Facing the growing influence of OTT voice services, operators must proactively seek out innovative solutions, capitalize on their unique strengths, and implement strategic measures to boost voice revenue and ensure long-term growth.
As emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, big data, and AI continue to advance, operators are blending traditional voice services with these innovations to create new applications and boost voice revenue. One notable effort is China's 5G New Calling, which has introduced features such as Visualized Voice Calling, AI Transcription, and Real-Time Translation. After just two years, these services have attracted 55 million users. The introduction of Simultaneous Interpretation even ensures that users from 2G to 5G can benefit from these enhancements, wherever they are. 5G New Calling is also expanding globally. For instance, AIS Thailand, with its voice network and AI capabilities, introduced the world's first AI Calling English-Thai simultaneous interpretation service, coinciding with the launch of Huawei's Mate XT smartphone. This innovation enhances the cross-language calling experience for global travelers. By embracing New Calling and similar innovations, operators can revitalize their voice services and maintain a strong subscriber base.
Despite the challenges posed by OTT voice services, operators in the Asia-Pacific region are encountering opportunities for transformation and development. By optimizing services, integrating innovative offerings, and building cooperative ecosystems, operators are progressively enhancing their competitiveness and exploring new avenues for growth. In the AI-driven era, operators will leverage technologies such as AI and LLMs to modernize communication services, establish intelligent service platforms, and cater to diverse user needs.