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5G Smartphones and the Heat Challenge — 2025 Update A few years ago, we investigated what was an early trend of devices overheating when using 5G and wrote a report about this trend. Smartviser’s original 2022 study demonstrated that first‑generation 5G smartphones could exceed critical thermal thresholds in fewer than twenty minutes of continuous high‑throughput operation, even within a climate‑controlled environment. Since that initial investigation, both cellular networks and handset platforms have evolved substantially. In response to these developments, the Smartviser team undertook an expanded assessment campaign in 2025, employing the enhanced viSer Neo  automation and Studio Analytics suite to conduct controlled tests on current flagship and mid‑tier devices. The objectives of the campaign were: To quantify the extent to which sustained 5G utilisation continues to precipitate device overheating or performance throttling in commercially available smartphones. To evaluate the effectiveness of the thermal‑mitigation measures now incorporated into contemporary chipsets, mechanical designs, and operating‑system frameworks. Looking Back: What We Learnt in 2022 In our 2022 post “Smartphones – Can They Handle the Heat of 5G?”  we explored the first wave of 5G‑induced thermal issues. Overheating isn’t new, but 5G accelerates it. Even in an air‑conditioned 16 °C lab with excellent 5G coverage, several handsets overheated within 20 minutes of continuous 5G data transfer. Key Findings: Three smartphone Overheating Groups Identified Group 1: Remained stable No overheating occurred. Devices maintained data transfer with no performance degradation. Group 2: Triggered overheating warnings Reached 48°C in 20 minutes. Devices displayed overheating warnings and showed visible performance drops. viSer Studio Analytics provided visual KPI insights showing temperature spikes in parallel with data throughput. Group 3: Throttled performance or downgraded from 5G to 4G  to manage temperature Overheated after ~20 minutes. Devices automatically: Closed background apps. Switched from 5G to 4G to cool down. With rapid advances in both 5G infrastructure and device technology, we decided it was time to revisit the topic. 5G in 2025: A Maturity Story Across the globe, 5G networks have entered a mature phase . Consistent mid-band spectrum deployment, improvements in backhaul, and smarter network management have led to significantly faster and more stable connections—especially in cities and major transport corridors. 🌍 Average 5G Download Speeds (2025) Region Country Average 5G Download Speed Europe France 270 Mbps Germany 310 Mbps UK 320 Mbps Spain 290 Mbps Italy 250 Mbps Sweden 380 Mbps North America USA 410 Mbps (urban areas) Canada 360 Mbps Asia-Pacific South Korea 520 Mbps (nationwide) Japan 450 Mbps China 460 Mbps (Tier 1 cities) India 310 Mbps (major metros) These speeds are not only faster but more consistent, thanks to widespread mid-band deployments and mmWave trials in dense urban zones. But higher throughput can still mean higher thermal pressure—so how are modern smartphones coping? SmartViser Testing: 2025 Results In our latest 2025 study, we observed a notable shift in device behavior compared to our 2022 findings. While extreme overheating leading to shutdowns or fallback to 4G was common three years ago, that is no longer the norm. Most smartphones we tested this year demonstrated smarter, more nuanced heat mitigation techniques—likely the result of tighter integration between chipset, OS, and thermal management algorithms. That said, a few devices still triggered high-temperature warnings, effectively limiting user interaction until the temperature dropped. These were generally budget or mid-tier models lacking advanced cooling or thermal governance. However, the standout trend in our 2025 results was the implementation of intelligent frequency throttling. Here’s an example from our testing: A 5G smartphone was part of a drive test, performing continuous web browsing over a 1-hour session . 📱 Observations from drive test with web browsing: Network status:  The device remained on 5G for 98%  of the test and only briefly fell back to LTE (2%). Performance:  Web loading times were stable throughout  the test. Thermal response:  As device temperature rose, it began throttling certain frequency bands —specifically in the uplink and mid-band spectrum—reducing RF power load. Outcome:  This successfully prevented further temperature increases  without impacting the user experience. SmartViser Analytics Studio PS RAT Graph and Battery Temperature SmartViser Analytics Studio Web Browsing Loading Time and CPU Frequencies This kind of adaptive thermal response  demonstrates the growing sophistication in smartphone design, where thermal limits are respected without compromising performance . We see this as a major step forward, and an indication that 5G smartphones in 2025 are no longer limited by the heat risks that once threatened the user experience. Intensive Testing: Gaming Under Pressure Over the course of this year’s study, we conducted over 250 hours of testing using a wide range of smartphones and test scenarios—progressively increasing in complexity to explore the limits of thermal endurance and system stability. One of the most demanding scenarios was intensive online gaming over a 5G network, with each session lasting up to 3 hours. 🎮 Gaming Test Key Findings: All devices eventually switched from 5G to 4G at some point during the session. Temperatures ranged from 40°C to 48°C, depending on the device, chipset, and cooling system. We observed a range of thermal mitigation strategies: Multi-step throttling: Some smartphones gradually reduced CPU/GPU load across several stages as temperature rose. Network fallback: Rather than allowing the device to overheat, all models opted to switch to 4G at higher thermal thresholds. Background process management: Several devices aggressively limited non-essential background apps or services to preserve stability. SmartViser Analytics Studio PS RAT and temperature graph These results confirm that while heat remains a factor under prolonged, intensive use , manufacturers have clearly improved their approach. Instead of a single thermal trigger, most modern smartphones intelligently manage performance in layers , prioritising both device protection  and user experience . Extreme Stress Testing: 5G Downloads at Full Throttle To push the boundaries even further, we conducted a series of super-intensive tests focused on sustained high-volume downloads over 5G. These sessions were designed to simulate heavy real-world scenarios such as bulk file transfers, high-resolution media downloads, and software updates over 5G, non-stop. 📉 Observations from Extreme Download Tests: After just 26 minutes of continuous operation, some models displayed high-temperature warning messages. In the most severe cases, devices are ultimately powered off entirely due to reaching critical thermal thresholds exceeding 50°C. Across different models, we observed: Multi-step thermal throttling to reduce performance gradually Network fallback mechanisms switching from 5G to LTE Final shutdown as a last-resort safety measure SmartViser Analytics Studio CPU Frequency and Throughput DL Graph SmartViser Analytics Studio Battery Temperature and Throughput upload graph This scenario, while not typical for most users , is a vital edge case  for manufacturers to test. It highlights how certain designs may still fail under extreme pressure , risking service disruption and poor user experience  if not properly addressed during the development cycle. Conclusion: 2025 – A Smarter Approach to Heat Our extensive 2025 testing confirms what the industry has been aiming for: smartphones have come a long way since the early 5G overheating concerns of 2022 . While heat management remains a key challenge—especially during extreme use cases— most modern devices now integrate intelligent and layered thermal mitigation strategies . ✅ We observed: Proactive throttling  of frequencies and processing power Seamless fallback to 4G  when thresholds were crossed Stable user experience  during standard and moderately heavy use Clear thermal control strategies  even under intense load like gaming and downloads However, our extreme stress tests showed that some devices still failed under prolonged heavy load, with shutdowns occurring beyond 50°C. These edge cases highlight that comprehensive thermal testing remains essential, especially early in product development when design and software-level mitigations can still be refined. Manufacturers must balance performance, battery life, and user safety—and the best-performing devices in our testing did so with minimal compromise to usability. As 5G-Advanced and new use cases (like XR, AI processing, and cloud gaming) push devices even harder, heat will continue to be a defining factor in mobile innovation. At SmartViser, we remain committed to helping manufacturers and network providers test smarter, earlier, and deeper with our viSer test automation suite—ensuring better performance, improved safety, and superior user experiences. All test scenarios in this study were executed using viSer Neo , SmartViser’s advanced test automation solution. One of viSer Neo’s key advantages is its ability to run directly on commercial Android devices without requiring any custom firmware or rooting , ensuring that testing conditions reflect real-world user behavior as closely as possible . All tests were conducted in France using local 5G networks , and identical scenarios were applied across multiple Android smartphones to maintain consistency and comparability. viSer Neo captures over 100 KPIs  in every session, and when combined with Analytics Studio , results can be visualised through interactive dashboards offering a wide range of charts, graphs, maps, pie charts , and granular drill-down views —enabling detailed and flexible analysis tailored to specific insights. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) have quietly become a multibillion‑dollar force in telecoms. Analysts put the global MVNO market at roughly US $ 98 billion in 2025, on track to top US $ 170 billion by 2032   Fortune Business Insights , while subscription counts are expanding faster than the wider mobile market, at 3.6 % CAGR through 2029   Omdia . In other words, more consumers, enterprises and connected “things” are choosing a brand that doesn’t even own a radio tower . Yet the commercial freedom MVNOs enjoy—lighter assets, faster launches, razor‑sharp niches—comes with a hidden catch: they must guarantee service quality over infrastructure they don’t control . That tension only intensifies as the industry splits into two distinct camps: B2C MVNOs  chasing price‑sensitive or lifestyle segments, where a single dropped call can trigger social‑media churn. B2B/enterprise MVNOs  delivering 5G network slices for factories, hospitals and fleets, where penalties kick in the moment an SLA is missed. In this article we will — Define what an MVNO is  and how it differs from its host MNO. Map the main MVNO flavours , from discount consumer brands to slice‑enabled industrial players. Unpack the operational challenges —margin squeeze, RAN dependency, tight enterprise SLAs—and the KPIs that matter. Show how SmartViser’s test‑automation and real‑device monitoring platform closes the assurance gap , giving MVNOs live QoS & QoE evidence they can take to the boardroom—or the customer’s service review. Whether you run a consumer sub‑brand or a mission‑critical IoT network, robust testing and continuous monitoring  aren’t optional extras; they are the foundations of subscriber trust and contract profitability. What exactly is an MVNO? A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)  is a telecom brand that buys wholesale radio‑access capacity from a licensed mobile‑network operator (MNO) and resells it under its own brand . An MVNO typically owns the commercial layers—SIMs/eSIMs, branding, pricing, customer care, billing and sometimes its own core network elements—but does not own spectrum or base‑station (RAN) assets , which remain under the MNO’s control. In contrast, an MNO  finances and operates the radio spectrum, towers, back‑haul and national licences. Some MVNOs integrate more deeply (so‑called full MVNOs  with their own HLR/HSS, PGW, etc.), whereas “light” or “reseller” MVNOs focus mainly on sales and marketing Onomondo . How MVNOs differ from MNOs at a glance Area MNO MVNO Spectrum & RAN Owns/licensed Rents wholesale CapEx intensity Very high Low/asset‑light Network control Full QoS prioritisation Limited; subject to host MNO prioritisation Time‑to‑market Slower (infrastructure cycles) Faster, brand‑driven Typical differentiation Coverage, bundling (handsets, fixed lines) Pricing, niche segments, value‑added services Key challenges MVNOs face today Quality‑of‑service dependency  – Traffic is usually deprioritised during cell congestion, leading to higher latency, jitter or lower speeds compared with the host MNO. Next‑gen technology access (5G SA, network slicing, VoLTE/VoNR)  – MVNOs rely on their host to make features available and must then ensure handset compatibility and back‑office upgrades. Margin pressure from wholesale rates & price wars  – Wholesale terms are often volume‑based; intense SIM‑only competition erodes ARPU. High churn & Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)  – Budget‑conscious users are quick to switch; marketing spend can outstrip lifetime value if not managed carefully. Limited brand stickiness  – When the core offer is “same network, lower price”, differentiation must come from service experience, ecosystem perks or laser‑focused niches. Regulatory & data‑privacy compliance  – KYC/AML rules, eSIM remote provisioning, emergency‑services location accuracy, GDPR, etc. Operational visibility  – Without direct access to RAN counters, MVNOs must invest in active/drive‑testing or API‑based monitoring to see what customers really experience.   KPIs MVNOs should monitor continuously Technical / QoS KPIs  (Test Automation and smartphone devices as probes & SLA management) Access/Attach success rate  – SIM registration & authentication failures Voice  – Call‑setup time (CST), VoLTE fallback rate Data  – DL/UL throughput http/ftp/bi-directional, latency (RTT), jitter, packet‑loss % Messaging  – SMS/MMS delivery time & success rate 5G slice availability / hand‑over success    Consumer‑ vs business‑focused MVNOs Dimension B2C MVNOs B2B / Enterprise‑first MVNOs Typical positioning Low‑cost SIM‑only, lifestyle/brand extensions ( e.g. supermarket, youth, ethnic calling ) Managed mobility, IoT connectivity, private/campus networks, global eSIM hubs Buyer Individual subscribers‑at‑scale CIO/CTO, operations or OT teams Value lever Price simplicity, community perks, flexible bundles SLA‑backed connectivity, integration with IT/OT, analytics & security Wholesale deal Usually “best‑effort” bit‑pipe with retail margin Often bespoke: dedicated APNs, static IP, QoS class identifiers (QCIs) or a full 5G network slice Capabilities to own Digital CX, referral engine, churn analytics Service orchestration, SIM lifecycle, edge/cloud integration, multi‑IMSI steering Regulatory load Consumer protection, number portability In addition: ISO 27001, sector‑specific (health, utilities), data‑residency     B2C archetypes Discount/price‑fighter  – e.g. SMARTY, Visible. Brand‑extension  – e.g. Tesco Mobile, Superdrug Mobile. Community/lifestyle  – youth (giffgaff), international (Lycamobile). Digital nomad/eSIM‑only  – Airalo, Holafly. B2B archetypes Corporate mobility MVNO  – pooled data and voice with global roaming, device‑fleet portals. IoT/M2M specialists  – connectivity plus API/SaaS for logistics, automotive (KORE, Cubic Telecom). Private‑/campus‑5G enablers  – carve out a wholesale 5G network slice  or lease local spectrum to run an on‑prem 5G core for factories, ports or hospitals  MVNO‑as‑a‑Service aggregators  – white‑label platforms letting brands spin up their own offers. Why network slicing is a game‑changer for B2B MVNOs Network slicing (5G SA)  = a virtual end‑to‑end network instance with its own QoS, security and policy, delivered over the shared RAN, transport and core. What an enterprise MVNO can do with a slice Use case Slice attribute Example vertical Ultra‑reliable low‑latency comms (URLLC) ≤10 ms RTT, 99.999 % availability Robotics on an automotive line; remote surgery rooms Massive IoT (mMTC) Battery‑efficient signalling, high device density Smart‑meter fleets, agriculture sensors High‑throughput FWA Guaranteed 200 Mbps+ downlink Retail branch connectivity, pop‑up venues Mission‑critical voice/video Priority bearer, local breakout Public safety, energy utilities With GSMA Open Gateway and 3GPP NEF APIs, a full MVNO can programmatically request, expand or tear down slices  per customer or per site, bundling them with edge‑compute and security services  CSG Commercial models emerging Slice‑as‑a‑Service  – monthly fee per site/device group for a managed slice. Private‑network extension  – single SIM roaming seamlessly between a campus slice and the public macro network (Transatel P‑LTE/5G extension)  Transatel . Outcome‑based SLA  – e.g. “< 50 ms motion‑control latency, 99.95 % uptime”, with penalties baked into the wholesale agreement. Additional challenges specific to B2B MVNOs Challenge Mitigation Multi‑slice orchestration & OSS/BSS readiness Adopt cloud‑native core and policy control that can tag traffic per slice; upgrade billing to rate per SLA tier. Device & modem compatibility Work with OEMs for SA‑capable chipsets and enterprise firmware supporting slice selection and URSP rules ( Android Open Source Project ). Security & isolation Offer options for on‑prem UPF breakout, IPsec tunnels into enterprise WAN, zero‑trust SIM authentication. Complex contracting Enterprise‑grade support (24/7 NOC), liability cover, and procurement frameworks (ITIL, ISO, NDAA where needed). Why continuous, real‑device monitoring is critical for MVNO SLAs Enterprise contracts usually carry tight latency, throughput and availability guarantees that far exceed consumer “best‑effort” levels. Because an MVNO has no native RAN counters and may be running several dedicated 5G slices at once, the only reliable way to prove compliance—or to catch a breach before it hurts production—is to measure performance from the same device types and SIM profiles the customer actually uses . SmartViser’s viSer  platform shows how this is done: it turns ordinary Android or iOS handsets into 24 × 7 autonomous probes that execute user actions like voice, data, video and application workflows on the live slice, streaming granular QoS  metrics (throughput, latency, hand‑over success,) and   QoE  metrics (POLQA MOS, page‑load time, video buffering, battery drain) to a cloud dashboard. Because every data point comes from a real device under real radio conditions , the MVNO can present indisputable evidence during quarterly service reviews, trigger automated trouble tickets the moment a KPI drifts, and even feed predictive models that warn of SLA breaches before users notice. Conclusion Across today’s rapidly evolving MVNO landscape—from cost‑focused consumer brands to enterprise providers leveraging dedicated 5G network slices—successful operators have three critical imperatives: Clearly define and differentiate the value proposition.  Whether addressing budget‑sensitive retail segments or delivering high‑availability, low‑latency connectivity for industrial sites, each MVNO must translate wholesale capacity into a distinctive customer experience. Monitor the metrics that matter.  Technical key performance indicators such as call‑setup success, data throughput, latency, messaging delivery and slice availability form the foundation of service assurance. When correlated with commercial measures—churn, Net Promoter Score and contractual SLA compliance—these metrics provide a comprehensive view of network health and business performance. Provide continuous, evidence‑based assurance.  Measurements taken on real smartphones and IoT endpoints, under live network conditions, remain the most reliable proof of Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE), particularly where financial penalties are tied to enterprise SLAs. SmartViser: Comprehensive, Automated Assurance SmartViser’s integrated platform addresses these imperatives through a fully automated, device‑centric monitoring solution: SmartViser Capability Benefit to the MVNO viSer autonomous device probes Converts standard smartphones and industry‑specific devices into 24/7 test agents—eliminating the cost and complexity of traditional testing. Voice, data, messaging, and slice workflows Recreates real user journeys, capturing detailed QoS and QoE indicators. Multi‑layer interactive dashboard Consolidates network and SLA data into an intuitive interface, SmartViser thus equips MVNOs with a single, end‑to‑end assurance framework—transforming raw network data into actionable intelligence while reducing operational overhead. By adopting this platform, MVNOs can demonstrate service excellence, uphold stringent SLAs and maintain the customer confidence that underpins sustainable growth. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

[Rennes, 04/07/2025] – SmartViser, a leading provider of automated testing solutions, is proud to announce its partnership with the VDE Institute, a globally recognized leader in testing and certification services. Through the adoption of SmartViser’s Viser Test Automation, VDE Institute is expanding its portfolio to include Energy Labelling Testing for smartphones and tablets, aligning with the new European energy efficiency regulations set to become mandatory since June 2025. The new regulation will require smartphones and tablets sold in the European market to display energy labels, ensuring transparency for consumers and promoting energy efficiency. VDE Institute’s adoption of Viser Test Automation enables the delivery of precise, automated energy testing, empowering manufacturers to meet these requirements efficiently and on time. “Manufacturers must act now to ensure compliance with the regulations and secure their market access,” emphasizes Marcell Klinkert from the VDE Institute. To support companies with efficient and reliable energy consumption labeling tests and ensure that products meet the required energy efficiency standards, the VDE Institute has initiated a collaboration with SmartViser, a provider of automated testing solutions in the telecommunications sector. “With Viser Test Automation, we now offer an optimized, automated approach to testing the energy efficiency labeling of smartphones and tablets,” explains Marcell Klinkert from the VDE Institute. This enables the VDE Institute to perform precise, automated energy tests that allow manufacturers to meet the new requirements on schedule. Gilles Ricordel CEO at SmartViser, added: “We are excited to partner with VDE Institute to address the increasing demand for energy efficiency testing. Viser Test Automation simplifies the process for labs and manufacturers, enabling a robust and scalable solution to meet regulatory challenges and market needs.” Supporting Compliance With the June 2025 energy labelling regulations just passed, manufacturers must act now to ensure compliance and maintain market access. Market Surveillance authorities across Europe need to also be ready to conduct testing. By adopting SmartViser’s Viser Test Automation, the VDE Institute is uniquely positioned to support businesses with efficient, reliable energy labelling testing, ensuring products meet the required energy performance standards. About SmartViser SmartViser is a leading telecommunications innovator, recognized for its expertise and commitment to customer-centric solutions. Its flagship test automation suite, viSer, enables OEMs, ODMs, Mobile Operators, MVNOs, Regulators, and telecom service providers to thoroughly test, benchmark, monitor, and measure Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) across devices and networks. The versatile viSer suite supports both active and passive monitoring on public, private, and mission-critical networks, offering comprehensive connectivity and device performance insights. viSer is device-agnostic, compatible with iOS and Android, and spans all telecom technologies from 2G to 5G, including VoLTE and VoWiFi. It covers numerous use cases, from POLQA voice quality assessments to speed tests, latency, throughput, calls, and network coverage analysis. SmartViser contributed significantly to the European Union’s Energy Labelling Regulations, ensuring viSer’s compliance with these standards. Beyond automation, SmartViser offers extensive field testing and is an accredited test house for the Altice Group, providing support in over 25 countries. Headquartered in Rennes, France, SmartViser collaborates globally to help customers adopt new technologies faster, reduce costs, and elevate product quality, enabling success in today’s rapidly advancing telecom landscape. You can find more information about SmartViser and its innovative software on the Web at www.smartviser.com Press Contact Susie Siouti Chief Commercial Officer Susie.siouti@smartviser.com About the VDE Institute The VDE mark is synonymous with safety and quality in electrical devices, components and systems for more than 100 years. The VDE Institute - a subsidiary of the VDE Group - is a worldwide partner for industry customers, business, government authorities, the electrical trade and consumers. More than 100,000 devices per year are subjected to product, quality and safety tests by the VDE Institutes independent testing engineers before they receive the VDE mark. Around the globe, VDE experts monitor more than 7,000 production facilities. Cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries ensure that the tests performed by the VDE Institute are internationally recognized. 200,000 types of products with millions of model variants bear the VDE mark worldwide. The VDE Testing and Certification Institute GmbH, a non-profit organization, employs more than 500 people in Offenbach am Main. For more information, visit www.vde.com/institute About VDE VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, has been regarded as a synonym for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. VDE is the only organization in the world that combines science, standardization, testing, certification, and application consulting under one umbrella. The VDE mark has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years. Our passion is the advancement of technology, the next generation of engineers and technologists, and lifelong learning and career development “on the job”. Within the VDE network more than 2,000 employees at over 60 locations worldwide, more than 100,000 honorary experts, and around 1,500 companies are dedicated to ensuring a future worth living: networked, digital, electrical. Shaping the e-dialistic future. The VDE (VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. For more information, visit www.vde.com Press contact: Jennifer Bounoua, Phone +49 151 14600477, presse@vde.com

Highlights from Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025 in Brussels Brussels, Belgium – June 17–19, 2025 Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025 brought together global leaders, industry innovators, government authorities, and mission-critical communication experts to shape the future of public safety communications. Held at the heart of Europe, the event emphasized collaboration, technological innovation, and resilience  in an increasingly interconnected world. Global Collaboration for a Safer World The central theme of working together across industry, government, and verticals  was clear throughout the event. With government authorities from 25 nations , over 250 global exhibitors , and 200+ expert speakers , CCW 2025 created a vibrant forum for addressing challenges in spectrum allocation, regulations, and international standards. During the opening session, Bernard Quintin , Belgium’s Minister of Home Affairs, and Salvator Vella , Director General of ASTRID , welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of uniting public and private sectors. A strong call was made for harmonized regulation across Europe and globally, to avoid mission-critical services falling behind due to fragmented policies. Resilience & Disaster Preparedness A recurring theme was the need for resilient communications infrastructure , particularly in disaster scenarios. Sessions addressed best practices in disaster response and international cooperation, with case studies highlighting how robust communication systems save lives and ensure operational continuity in times of crisis. Transition to Broadband & Hybrid Networks A significant focus was the transition from legacy LMR systems (like TETRA and P25) to broadband . The evolution of MCX (Mission Critical Services) , powered by LTE and 5G, is accelerating. The discussions emphasized the importance of hybrid network models , integrating LMR with broadband to support a smooth migration and ensure backward compatibility. Cybersecurity & Regulatory Gaps CCW 2025 brought to light the regulatory lag  behind technological advancement. While 3GPP standards now reflect mission-critical requirements, speakers stressed the absence of unified regulation for MCX services in Europe. This raised key questions: Do we need a common European regulation  for mission-critical broadband? Is the EUCCS  framework the solution? Should global harmonization  be a priority? What role should the ITU  play in supporting Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) networks? Future Technologies: AI, 5G, and Satellite Integration The conference also explored how AI, satellite communication, IoT , and 6G developments  are reshaping public safety: Integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)  to support remote and resilient communications. The transformative role of 5G  in enabling low-latency , high-bandwidth  applications like real-time drone footage , augmented reality , and enhanced situational awareness  for first responders. GCF and TCCA Certification Update The Global Certification Forum (GCF)  now includes Mission Critical Services (MCS)  in its certification program (since June 2024). This milestone supports faster integration of multi-vendor solutions and ensures interoperability and end-to-end service quality . Sweden  was recognized as a leader in MCS certification, hosting: The world’s first GCF Mission Critical Communications Operator (MSB as MCCO) AstaZero  as the Recognized Test Organization (RTO) Ericsson  as the Assessment Capable Entity (ACE) National Highlights: France’s RRF Project & ACMOSS Wins A standout session showcased France’s RRF (Réseau Radio du Futur)  project, illustrating significant progress in building the country’s next-gen public safety network. Congratulations were extended to ACMOSS , the national agency for operational mobile communications, for its double win at the ICCAwards  – a testament to their leadership and innovation in mission-critical services. Renaud Mellies  was also elected to the TCCA Board of Directors , acknowledging his continued contributions to the CCW community. Congratulations to All ICCA 2025 Winners The International Critical Communications Awards (ICCA) 2025  once again celebrated outstanding achievements and innovation across the sector. Congratulations to all winners for their impressive contributions: Best Hybrid Device : L3Harris Technologies  – XL Extreme 400P , a multiband, NFPA-compliant, full-spectrum radio. Best MCX Product or Solution of the Year : Frequentis AG  – MissionX Android SDK , the first MCS client platform certified by GCF. Best TETRA Product or Solution of the Year : Sepura Limited  – Sepura SC28 Module . Best Use of Advanced Technology (AI, UAVs, Situational Awareness) : Qualcomm Technologies, Aramco, and Aramco Digital  – Industrial Generative AI-Powered IoT Solutions at the Edge . Best Use of Critical Communications in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mining, Oil & Gas : Vodafone Business  – CIMPOR 5G Standalone Mobile Private Network . Best Use of Critical Communications in Public Safety : ACMOSS  – RRF – Radio Reseau du Futur . Best Use of Critical Communications in Transport : Hytera Communications Corporation Limited  – HK MTR Light Rail 2.0 with 5G MCX Radio System . Best Use of Critical Communications in Utilities : Vertel  – Icon Water TMR Replacement . TCCA Young Engineer of the Year : Adam Howe  – Sepura Limited . Phil Kidner Award for Individual Outstanding Contribution : Jim Bugel  – FirstNet Built with AT&T . Outstanding Services to TCCA : Harald Ludwig , Chairman, Technical Forum, TCCA. SmartViser at CCW25: Demonstrating the Future of Test Automation SmartViser played a key role at CCW25 by showcasing their innovative test automation solutions  for mission-critical broadband networks. Key demonstrations included: Remote Testing for Private and Public Safety Networks : Highlighting how their viSer platform supports automated testing even in challenging or isolated environments , ensuring consistent quality and performance. Real-time Monitoring and QoS Validation : SmartViser demonstrated tools that verify service reliability and coverage , critical for both emergency services and hybrid LMR-broadband networks. MCX Testing Readiness : Showcased readiness for MCX device and network testing , aligning with the latest GCF certification standards . Satellite & NTN Testing Capabilities : Previewed testing capabilities for satellite-integrated networks , a growing area in critical communication ecosystems. These demonstrations reinforced SmartViser’s commitment to supporting network providers, regulators, and public safety organizations  with agile and scalable test automation to accelerate deployment and ensure service excellence. Looking Ahead: CCW 2026 in London As this year's event concludes, the baton has officially passed to the United Kingdom. Critical Communications World returns next year:📅 16–18 June 2026 | 📍 ExCeL London, UK We look forward to continuing the global mission-critical conversation and driving innovation forward in London next year! Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

Rennes, France – June 13th , 2025 – SmartViser is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the TCCA Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025, taking place at Brussels Expo, Hall 7, Stand F115, from June 17 to 19, 2025. In addition, SmartViser will also actively take part to the GCF/TCCA Workshop on June 20, 2025, underscoring its commitment to the advancement of Mission Critical communications standards and technologies.   This year at CCW, SmartViser will showcase a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to help customers maximize the performance and reliability of Business and Mission Critical (MCX) networks. With the rising demand for dependable Push-to-Talk ( MCX PTT ), MCX data, MCX Video, and MCX call services in critical environments, SmartViser is proud to present real-world use cases demonstrating how our technologies support effective MCX service testing, validation and monitoring.   Two Key Product Lines Featured: Active Testing Solutions  – Ideal for pre-launch troubleshooting and service validation, ensuring readiness and performance before going live.   Network Monitoring Solutions  – Delivering continuous monitoring to guarantee service stability, coverage, and real-time performance tracking once operational.   Following the successful debut of our lightweight monitoring products, Temp.o and Mate.o at MWC, SmartViser is thrilled to unveil its latest innovation: the Insight Studio Dashboard. This powerful new web dashboard tool, commercially available later in the year, consolidates active and passive monitoring KPIs, offering real-time alerts, stability measurements, and coverage visibility through a single, intuitive interface.   Built around a scalable, device-based monitoring approach, SmartViser’s solutions are easy to deploy and tailored to the needs of modern critical communication infrastructures.   Join Us in Brussels TCCA CCW25 We invite all CCW attendees to visit us at Stand F115 to explore how SmartViser’s innovative testing and monitoring solutions can enhance the performance and reliability of your critical communication services. About SmartViser SAS SmartViser is a leading telecommunications innovator, recognized for its expertise and commitment to customer-centric solutions. Its flagship test automation suite, viSer, enables OEMs, ODMs, Mobile Operators, MVNOs, Regulators, and telecom service providers to thoroughly test, benchmark, monitor, and measure Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) across devices and networks. The versatile viSer suite supports both active and passive monitoring on public, private, and mission-critical networks, offering comprehensive connectivity and device performance insights. viSer is device-agnostic, compatible with iOS and Android, and spans all telecom technologies from 2G to 5G, including VoLTE and VoWiFi. It covers numerous use cases, from POLQA voice quality assessments to speed tests, latency, throughput, calls, and network coverage analysis. SmartViser contributed significantly to the European Union’s Energy Labelling Regulations, ensuring viSer’s compliance with these standards. Beyond automation, SmartViser offers extensive field testing and is an accredited test house for the Altice Group, providing support in over 25 countries. Headquartered in Rennes, France, SmartViser collaborates globally to help customers adopt new technologies faster, reduce costs, and elevate product quality, enabling success in today’s rapidly advancing telecom landscape. In 2024 Anritsu Corporation Acquired 32.72% Stake in SmartViser SAS. You can find more information about SmartViser and its innovative software on the Web at  www.smartviser.com   Press Contact and General Information SmartViser                                      Susie Siouti Chief Commercial Officer  Susie.siouti@smartviser.com

Countdown to Compliance: New EU Energy Labelling Regulation Comes Into Force on 20th June 2025 In just five weeks, a pivotal moment for sustainability and consumer transparency in the tech industry will arrive. On Monday, 20th June 2025, the new EU Energy Labelling Regulation officially comes into force, alongside its sister regulation, the Eco Design Regulation. These regulations mark a major shift in how smartphones and tablets are assessed for energy efficiency, durability, and environmental impact. At SmartViser, we’re proud to have been involved in this regulatory journey from its earliest days. Our collaboration with the European Commission began in 2021, when we were invited to contribute to the creation of the testing methodology for the new regulation. This was more than a compliance project — it was an opportunity to help shape a standard that will impact how mobile devices are designed, tested, and purchased across Europe. A Leading Role in Innovation and Compliance SmartViser was honoured to be the first company selected by the European Commission to develop the Beta version of the Energy Labelling test application. This initial version was shared with key stakeholders, including several members of Digital Europe, for review and feedback. The constructive responses helped fine-tune the methodology, ensuring it would meet the practical needs of manufacturers, market surveillance authorities, and test laboratories. Following the Beta phase, we were tasked with creating the first official pilot application, which was successfully launched in August 2023 — three months ahead of the regulation’s transitional rollout in September 2023. This pilot phase allowed stakeholders across the industry to begin adapting to the new requirements, laying the groundwork for full implementation in June 2025. Supporting Industry Through the Transition The Energy Labelling Regulation was designed with a transition period to help the industry prepare. This timeframe allowed: • Manufacturers to integrate the new labelling requirements into product development. • Market surveillance authorities to build up the necessary testing and enforcement infrastructure. • Test labs to familiarise themselves with the methodology and refine their procedures. Throughout this period, SmartViser has continued to play a key role, offering technical expertise, test automation solutions, and dedicated support to help stakeholders navigate the new regulatory landscape. From 20 June 2025, the Energy Labelling requirements will apply to all smartphones and slate tablets placed on the EU market. These regulations do not apply to: • Tablet computers, • Devices with a flexible (roll-up) main display, and • Smartphones specifically designed for high-security communications. A Focus on Sustainability and Longer Product Lifecycles At the heart of both regulations is the ambition to extend the usable life of electronic devices, by setting clear requirements on reparability, upgradability, and battery endurance. For example, increasing the average lifespan of a mid-range smartphone from 3.0 to 4.1 years could significantly reduce the number of new devices entering the market each year — while maintaining the same total number of devices in use. Device Categories Covered by the Energy Labelling Regulation Smartphones are equipped with integrated touchscreens ranging from 4 to 7 inches, supporting app ecosystems and advanced functionalities. Slate tablets feature screen sizes from 7 to 17.4 inches, operate without a physically attached keyboard, and run mobile operating systems such as Android or iOS. This differentiates them from tablet computers, which typically include (or support) a detachable keyboard and use desktop-like operating systems such as Windows. According to the European Information & Communications Technology Industry Association (EIA), tablet computers are classified under personal computers and are excluded from these regulations. Please Note: The Ecodesign requirements will apply to smartphones, feature phones, cordless phones and slate tablets, but the Energy labelling applies only to smartphones and slate tablets. The Energy Label Source: EU Commission Under the new regulation, these devices must display key information on: • Energy Efficiency and Battery Endurance • Battery longevity • Resistance to dust and water • Durability against accidental drops • Repairability Class See more in EU website For the first time, products will also be required to display a repairability score, offering transparency on how easily a device can be repaired. This new energy label is designed to empower EU consumers to make more informed, sustainable purchasing decisions and to promote environmentally conscious consumption. Consumers can access even more detailed product information through the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) by scanning the QR code included on each label. EU Energy Labelling Regulation. How SmartViser can help ? 1️⃣Test Automation with SmartViser’s Viser Neo   Take control of your testing with Viser Neo, the leading test automation solution that allows you to set up your own environment for energy label testing. ✔️ Works with any Android or iOS device, any chipset ✔️ No rooting or jailbreaking required ✔️ Empowers your test teams to efficiently execute energy labelling tests   2️⃣ Expert Testing Services – We Test for You!   No in-house testing lab? No problem! SmartViser offers top-tier testing services to support your compliance needs: ✔️ Official testing for energy labelling certification ✔️ Lab calibration support to ensure full compliance ✔️ Troubleshooting services to identify performance improvement areas Simply send us your device, and our expert team will handle the rest!   3️⃣ SmartViser Intelligence Reports – Benchmarking Energy Labelling   Understand the competitive landscape with SmartViser’s SVI Reports, offering: ✔️ A snapshot of market performance and energy efficiency trends ✔️ Insights into how your device stacks up against competitors ✔️ Actionable data to optimize your products and gain a competitive edge With the EU Energy Labelling and Ecodesign regulations coming into force on 20 June 2025, the focus is clear: greater transparency, longer product lifespans, and more sustainable choices for consumers. SmartViser is proud to have played a pioneering role in shaping this regulation from its inception, and we’re ready to help you navigate what’s next. Whether you need cutting-edge test automation, trusted compliance testing services, or strategic market benchmarking, SmartViser offers the tools and expertise to ensure you're fully prepared. Now is the time to act. Partner with SmartViser and stay ahead of regulation and the competition. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding an MBA from Henley Business School brings a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee, responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging a customer-centric culture. The main mission is to help organizations to create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile communications, where data-driven applications like video streaming and social media dominate, voice services remain a cornerstone of connectivity. Despite representing just 2% of mobile network traffic compared to the overwhelming 70% occupied by video, voice plays a pivotal role in user experience. It is the foundation of personal and professional communication, relied upon during emergencies, and remains one of the most frequently used features on mobile devices. Voice quality remains a vital differentiator in today's evolving mobile networks. Despite a significant decrease in the proportion of voice communications—now representing roughly 2% of mobile network traffic compared to approximately 70% for video—voice service remains the cornerstone for user interactions with their devices. Subscribers often gauge the overall quality of their operator or OTT application based significantly on voice call clarity and reliability. The Continued Significance of Voice Services Even with the rise of video streaming, gaming, and data-centric applications, voice calls are foundational to personal and professional communications. This fundamental reliance makes voice quality a decisive factor in user satisfaction and brand loyalty. With the recent introduction of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs)—like satellite connectivity—ensuring consistent voice quality has become even more complex yet critical. Voice Quality and User Satisfaction (NPS Impact) Quality voice service is a major driver of customer satisfaction and loyalty  for mobile operators. J.D. Power emphasizes that “call quality and reliability have become the most critical drivers of customer satisfaction with network quality”​ Customers now expect voice calls to be “flawless… every time”, so issues like dropouts or poor audio “substantially affect satisfaction” J.D. Power Study ​ In practice, carriers that deliver superior call clarity see higher satisfaction ratings. For example, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) in 2023 showed improvements in perceived call quality: the ACSI “call quality (clarity and strength)” score for U.S. mobile operators rose from 79 to 82 (out of 100)  in 2024​ Top carriers AT&T and Verizon each scored 80/100  on call quality/reliability in that survey​ theacsi.org , indicating strong user approval of voice service. High-definition voice technologies (e.g. VoLTE  with wideband audio) are credited with boosting user experience. Industry analysts note that the enhanced voice clarity of VoLTE “improves the overall user experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction”​ according to Consegic Business Intelligence. In other words, better voice quality translates into better Net Promoter Scores and loyalty. While specific NPS figures are often proprietary, telecom executives consistently rank network service quality (including voice clarity) as a top NPS driver. A Heavy Reading survey of 80 global operators found improving customer experience  (closely tied to network and voice quality) was the number-one business priority and investment area​ Key Factors Determining Voice Quality Several technical factors directly influence voice quality: Codec Quality and Efficiency:  New advanced codecs offer improved audio fidelity and bandwidth efficiency but require precise implementation and management. Network Latency and Jitter:  Delays in packet transmission can significantly degrade call clarity, creating echoes and distorted conversations. Packet Loss:  Even minor packet loss can severely disrupt voice communication, making packet delivery reliability paramount. Measuring and Troubleshooting Voice Quality Accurately measuring voice quality involves sophisticated techniques, including: Mean Opinion Score (MOS):  An established method where human listeners rate call quality. It rates calls on a scale from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent) based on human audio perception. Perceptual Objective Listening Quality Analysis (POLQA):  In modern testing, MOS is often obtained via objective algorithms (e.g. ITU P.863 POLQA , which predicts MOS by comparing reference and received audio). POLQA is highly precise and is used to evaluate voice quality across different technologies (2G, 3G, VoLTE, OTT VoIP, etc.) Drive and Walk Tests:  Field measurements ensure real-world verification of voice quality under typical usage scenarios. .Operators and independent testers also measure other voice KPIs: call setup time  (typically 2–5 seconds for VoLTE), call drop rates  (often targeted below 0.5–1%), and coverage of HD voice . Troubleshooting voice issues typically involves analyzing network KPIs, reviewing codec performance, and identifying areas of significant packet loss, latency, or interference Operator vs. OTT Voice Services The proliferation of OTT services like WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom has reshaped the voice communication landscape, directly competing with traditional operator voice offerings. Mobile network operators today face intense competition from OTT voice services like WhatsApp, Skype, and others. Users often compare the call quality and reliability of carrier-provided voice (circuit-switched or VoLTE/VoNR calls) against these internet-based apps. Benchmark tests indicate that operators’ dedicated voice services still hold an edge in consistency and reliability .  For instance, a 2023 in-depth drive test study in Europe compared legacy 2G calls, VoLTE calls, and WhatsApp VoIP calls using objective MOS (Mean Opinion Score) measures. The results were striking: VoLTE delivered the highest and steadiest quality, with 98% of VoLTE call samples rating “Excellent”  in MOS quality (MOS ≥4.5)​ By contrast, the same network using WhatsApp (OTT voice) had 64%  of call samples as Excellent and a notable 16%  of samples falling to “Fair” quality (MOS in the 3.0–3.9 range)​. This demonstrates that carrier VoLTE can provide more consistently high audio quality  than OTT VoIP under the same conditions. Comparative analyses based on real-world measurements have shown: Reliability:  Operator-managed voice services typically deliver more consistent and reliable quality due to better-controlled network conditions. Quality:  OTT services frequently adopt more advanced codecs and provide higher-definition audio, albeit often susceptible to external factors like network congestion or weaker data coverage. User Experience:  Users may tolerate variable quality from OTT apps due to their convenience and additional features like video calling and messaging integration, yet they continue to expect consistently high-quality voice calls from mobile operators.The quality of voice calls is more than just a technical metric—it is a key factor in how subscribers perceive their mobile operators and over-the-top (OTT) communication services. Whether it’s the seamless clarity of an operator's voice call or the accessibility of an OTT app, the user’s experience is heavily shaped by voice quality. With the rise of advanced technologies, including Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) and modern voice codecs, the challenge of delivering and measuring superior voice quality has grown significantly. Regional Insights and Trends North America & Europe:  These regions have nearly universal VoLTE and are now transitioning to Vo5G. Voice quality is generally consistent and high. Asia-Pacific:  A mix of ultra-advanced markets and developing ones creates varied insights. Middle East & Africa:  These regions are diverse, but many countries still rely on a mix of 2G/3G for voice alongside newer VoLTE in cities. Latin America:  Similar to MEA, with patchy VoLTE adoption but improving. Many LatAm operators report that introducing VoLTE In all regions, a common thread is emerging by 2025: simply providing voice service is not enough – operators must provide excellent  voice service . Voice is the most basic telecom offering, yet its quality can distinguish a premium operator from a mediocre one. Where they lead in voice quality, operators often incorporate that into branding (e.g. advertising fewer dropped calls, “crystal-clear” audio, or quoting awards from P3 connect or JD Power). And where they lag, churn can spike as users substitute with OTT or rival networks. Thus, investment in voice technology (from network upgrades to codecs to optimization)and thorough testing is viewed as investment in customer experience. How SmartViser Can Help? How SmartViser Can Help with Voice Quality Testing SmartViser is at the forefront of enabling operators and service providers to ensure superior voice quality through its innovative testing solutions. By leveraging its automated test suite, viSer , SmartViser offers comprehensive tools and methodologies to evaluate, troubleshoot, and optimize voice performance in today’s complex mobile networks. 1. Comprehensive Testing Across Real-World Scenarios SmartViser’s solutions are designed to simulate real-world conditions, including: Urban and Rural Environments : Testing voice quality in diverse locations, including challenging areas like underground sites or remote regions. Network Handovers : Evaluating call continuity and quality during transitions between network technologies (e.g., 4G to 5G). VoLTE and VoNR Testing : Assessing the performance of advanced voice technologies and codecs like EVS under varied network loads. 2. Automated and Remote Testing SmartViser enables operators to conduct automated voice quality tests with minimal human intervention: Remote Testing Capability : Operators can evaluate voice services in geographically dispersed areas without needing on-site teams. Automation for Efficiency : By automating repetitive tasks, SmartViser ensures faster, more reliable, and cost-effective testing cycles. 3. Objective Voice Quality Metrics SmartViser integrates industry-standard voice quality evaluation methods into its testing suite: POLQA Integration : Accurately assesses voice clarity and provides MOS (Mean Opinion Scores) to benchmark performance. Network Metrics Analysis 4. Troubleshooting and Insights SmartViser goes beyond identifying problems—it helps pinpoint root causes and provides actionable insights. 5. Testing OTT Voice Services With the increasing role of OTT services, SmartViser provides tools to compare operator voice quality against popular OTT platforms, End-to-End Comparison : Benchmarks OTT services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Microfot Teams. 6. Ensuring Consistent Quality in Non-Terrestrial Networks As NTNs become more prevalent, SmartViser’s solutions help operators ensure voice quality across satellite and hybrid networks, adapting to the unique challenges of these environments. SmartViser’s robust and adaptable testing framework ensures that operators and service providers can deliver exceptional voice quality, maintain customer satisfaction, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive telecommunications market. By simplifying and enhancing voice testing processes, SmartViser empowers its partners to meet the growing expectations of modern mobile users. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

Rennes, 27th March 2025. Following the announcement on November 29, 2024, regarding Anritsu’s agreement to acquire a 32.72% stake in SmartViser, Gilles Ricordel (SmartViser CEO) confirms that the French Government has officially approved the deal following the regulatory checks. With this significant milestone achieved, we are now ready to advance into the next chapter of collaboration between Anritsu and SmartViser. This strategic acquisition was initially approved during Anritsu’s Board of Directors meeting on November 27, 2024, followed by the formal signing of a stock purchase agreement. The partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of both companies in delivering advanced testing solutions to meet the evolving demands of the telecommunications industry. Headquartered in France, SmartViser specialises in delivering advanced automation and monitoring solutions for performance evaluation and functional testing across mobile networks and devices. Our mission has always been to help mobile network operators and device manufacturers streamline testing processes, improve efficiency, and reduce operational costs. This strategic partnership marks an exciting new phase. By combining SmartViser’s strengths in test automation and remote monitoring with Anritsu’s cutting-edge communications test solutions, we will broaden our capabilities and reach. Together, we aim to drive innovation across multiple sectors—from smartphones and private networks to mission-critical systems and the automotive industry—supporting the global shift toward smarter, more sustainable, and carbon-neutral societies. We look forward to this collaborative journey and the new possibilities it brings for our clients, partners, and the industry. Learn more about Anrirsu: Anritsu Completes Partial Share Acquisition, Making SmartViser an Equity-Method Associate | Anritsu Europe You can find more information about SmartViser and its innovative software on the Web at  www.smartviser.com   Press Contact and General Information SmartViser                                      Susie Siouti Chief Commercial Officer  Susie.siouti@smartviser.com

Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25): Key Highlights and Announcements The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona once again showcased the latest advancements in telecommunications, mobile technologies, and enterprise connectivity. With over 109,000 attendees from 205 countries , the event served as a pivotal platform for industry leaders to unveil cutting-edge innovations and discuss key trends shaping the future of mobile networks. We have started the week with Canalys & Omdia breakfast briefing at MWC 2025: "Partnering to Thrive in 2025" which provided a great overview of the prevalent themes of the event with the exception of 6G which was largely absent from the event.   Canalys & Omdia breakfast briefing at MWC 2025 AI and Automation: Transforming Telecom Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center stage at MWC 2025, as telecom giants unveiled AI-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing network intelligence, automation, and customer experiences. Open Telecom AI Platform:  AMD, Cisco, Nokia, and Jio Platforms announced a new AI-driven telecom platform  designed to integrate AI and automation into every network layer . This initiative will leverage Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Small Language Models (SLMs), and other ML techniques  to optimize telecom and digital services. Huawei’s AI Core Network:  Huawei introduced the first AI-native core network , marking a major leap from AI-powered to AI-native infrastructure . This innovation integrates AI agents within 5G-A Intelligent Core , boosting network efficiency and computing capabilities . DeepSeek AI Growth:  AI was a dominant theme, with DeepSeek-powered products  emerging across telecom applications, signaling China’s rapid evolution in AI adoption within mobile networks . 5G and Private Networks: Expanding Connectivity MWC 2025 reaffirmed 5G’s role in enterprise connectivity , with significant advancements in private networks, industrial applications, and telecom cloud integration . Global 5G Adoption:  The industry now boasts over 2 billion 5G connections worldwide , alongside 4,700 private LTE/5G networks  deployed by the end of 2024. Manufacturing & Private 5G Summit:  Experts from AT&T, ServiceNow, and AltaGas  discussed how AI-driven Private 5G networks  enhance efficiency, security, and cost reduction . Telefonica & AWS Partnership :  Europe’s first 5G Standalone (SA) call  using on-site and public cloud architecture  was completed with Nokia’s Cloud RAN solution on AWS infrastructure . Ericsson’s 5G Smart Airports Initiative :  Hosted "The Future-Ready Airport" panel, featuring experts from Airbus , Capgemini , TDC and EUWENA , demonstrating how 5G is revolutionizing aviation connectivity . Red Hat’s Telecom Expansion:  Announced new partnerships with Orange, SoftBank, KDDI, and Rakuten Mobile  to further 5G and cloud innovations . Satellite & Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): The Next Frontier For the first time in years, MWC’s NTN Summit was oversubscribed , indicating the industry’s growing focus on expanding connectivity to remote and underserved areas . Eutelsat, Airbus & Mediatek Collaboration :  Conducted the world’s first 5G NTN trial  using OneWeb’s low Earth orbit satellites . Cubic & Skylo Partnership:   Announced a satellite-based IoT network  to enhance connectivity in rural and isolated areas . T-Mobile’s Flying Base Station :  Demonstrated the Primoco One 150 drone , which delivers 200 Mbps downlink and 75 Mbps uplink , providing connectivity to 1,200 users in remote regions . Originally focused on basic text and voice services, it has now broadened to incorporate data capabilities. SmartViser is set to support with any testing need on NTN. Smartphones & Tech Innovations MWC 2025 showcased several high-profile smartphone launches and next-gen hardware innovations: Xiaomi 15 Ultra :  Co-engineered with Leica , featuring a 200MP periscope lens , redefining mobile photography . Samsung Galaxy A56:   A budget-friendly 5G device  with long-term software support  and a 50MP camera . Nothing Phone (3a) Pro :  Focused on camera enhancements and innovative design . Lenovo’s AI-Powered Laptops :  Introduced the ThinkBook Flip , a flexible OLED device , and Yoga Solar PC , a solar-powered AI laptop . Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Growth MWC 2025 underscored the importance of collaboration across industries  to drive telecom innovation and growth: GSMA’s Expansion into Automotive & Aviation:  Partnered with 5GAA , JASPAR, Outsight , Safran , and Seamless Air Alliance  to advance 5G solutions in transport . Ericsson’s Ecosystem Play:  Brought together partners at its MWC booth  to highlight real-world 5G enterprise use cases . NTT & Nokia Unveil 6G Hardware Plans:  Provided the first look at next-gen 6G hardware , setting the stage for future connectivity. SmartViser & Anritsu Presence at MWC25 SmartViser made a significant impact at MWC 2025 with key announcements: Introducing Viser Temp.o and Viser Mate.o:  Expanding into network monitoring automation , these tools provide: Viser Temp.o  – Active (foreground) network monitoring for real-time insights. Viser Mate.o  – Passive (background) network monitoring for continuous network assessment. Expanded Capabilities for Viser Neo+:  Enhanced with low-layer messaging capture  and advanced analytics . Mission Critical Communications KPI Support:  New KPIs for MCPTT (Push-to-Talk) and MCPTV (Push-to-Video) , ensuring high reliability and quality. Speech Quality MOS Testing :  Now supports VoNR, VoLTE, and OTT calls  (e.g., Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp) on both Android and iOS devices . EU Energy Labelling Regulation & Benchmark Reports:  Providing compliance insights and reports for manufacturers. Viser Neo Test Automation:  Enhancing device testing efficiency and reliability . Quality of Experience (QoE) Assessments :  Utilizing real smartphones for true real-world network performance evaluations . Joint Demos with Anritsu at MWC 2025 SmartViser and Anritsu collaborated on groundbreaking demonstrations at Stand D41, Hall 5 : The Future of Service Assurance – AI-Assured Networks for an Autonomous Tomorrow Showcased AI-powered Service Assurance platforms , integrating Ookla’s DownDetector  for real-time network issue detection . Highlighted Private Networks' role in secure and controlled operations . End-to-End Latency Testing for URLLC and MEC Deployments Demonstrated latency analysis between MEC applications and mobile terminals . Featured Anritsu’s high-performance MT1000A tester  for accurate real-world network evaluations . Utilized SmartViser Neo tools for multi-domain KPI measurements . These demonstrations showcased cutting-edge solutions for latency-critical applications , from autonomous driving to industrial automation . Where Was 6G? Unlike previous editions, 6G was largely absent from MWC 2025 discussions . However, expectations are high for the upcoming 3GPP workshop in Incheon, South Korea (March 10-11, 2025) , which may provide further updates on 6G standardization and development . The upcoming 6G workshop will be chaired by the leadership of the three Technical Specification Groups (TSGs) of 3GPP: For TSG SA - Puneet Jain, TSG RAN - Ronald Borsato and for TSG CT - Peter Schmitt.  Conclusion: Partnerships, AI, and 5G Dominate MWC 2025 MWC 2025 underscored the power of partnerships , the growing role of AI in telecom operations , and the continued expansion of 5G and NTN solutions . While 6G discussions were minimal , early collaborations suggest the industry is laying the groundwork for the next wave of telecom evolution . Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

Smartphones have become indispensable to modern life, but they are not without flaws. From hardware failures to software glitches, user complaints span a wide range of issues that can significantly impact satisfaction and loyalty. Manufacturers must address these concerns proactively, ensuring their devices meet and exceed user expectations. SmartViser, with its powerful test automation suite, viSer, offers a robust solution for testing early and ensuring improved user experiences. For over a decade, SmartViser  has partnered with major smartphone manufacturers, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and media to enhance device performance and user satisfaction. Our extensive experience in the telecom and technology industry has given us unique insights into the challenges faced by smartphone users. By combining feedback collected directly from our customers with insights from smartphone user forums, Android communities, and industry discussions, we have identified the most common complaints. Common Smartphone Complaints Battery Issues Short Battery Life : Users often find their devices unable to last a full day, especially with heavy usage like streaming, gaming, or GPS navigation. This leads to a constant dependency on chargers or power banks. Battery Degradation : Reduced battery capacity over time. Power-Intensive Apps and Features : Modern apps, particularly social media, video editing tools, and games, are resource-intensive and consume significant amounts of energy. Background Processes : Apps running in the background can drain the battery without the user’s knowledge, reducing overall standby time. Performance Throttling : To protect against degrading batteries or overheating issues, manufacturers sometimes implement performance throttling, causing devices to slow down seriously impacting end users experience. Performance Problems Lagging or Slow Performance : Devices slow down with prolonged use. Overheating : Excessive heat generation during usage sometimes in basic operations like browsing. Devices overheating has become more prominent with the launch of 5G. Connectivity Challenges Weak Signal Reception : Poor connectivity in certain locations affects some devices while others work ok. Bluetooth Pairing Issues : Problems with wireless peripherals like specific headsets or hearing aids. Intermittent connections and connectivity dropped. Inconsistent Network Speeds : Fluctuations in Wi-Fi, 4G, or 5G performance. Software Glitches App Crashes : Applications freezing or closing unexpectedly. Delayed Updates : Late delivery of system and security updates. Camera Concerns Inconsistent Quality : Poor photos, especially in low light. Shutter Lag : Delays capturing images. Audio Quality Issues Poor Voice Quality : Distorted or muffled calls. Inconsistency on Audio MOS between cellular calls or with various OTT applications like WhatsApp, Viber, Microsoft Teams, etc. Call Performance Problems : Dropped calls or delays in connectivity. VoLTE/VoWiFi Issues : Challenges with HD voice calls over LTE or Wi-Fi. Top Smartphone Issues Reported in 2024 Based on feedback from smartphone manufacturers, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and insights gathered from user forums and communities, the most reported smartphone issues in 2024 are as follows: * Data collected from Mobile Network Operators, Smartphone Manufacturers forums How SmartViser Drives Improved End-User Experience, enhanced device performance and quality SmartViser’s viSer Test Automation Platform and Testing Services  provides comprehensive solutions to address these top issues, enabling manufacturers and ODMs to: Identify problems early in the development cycle through real-world usage simulations . Reduce time-to-market with automated and reliable testing processes. Deliver devices that meet user expectations for performance, reliability, and satisfaction. By tackling these top issues proactively, smartphone manufacturers and MNOs can enhance product quality, reduce customer complaints, and build stronger trust with end-user. 1. Test Automation: Comprehensive Testing for Superior User Experience Our test automation platform  enables manufacturers to efficiently test all aspects that impact end-user experience. With automated testing, manufacturers can identify and resolve potential issues early in the development process. Key Areas of Test Automation ✅ Web Browsing Testing URL validation (UA) duration analysis Rendering timeout measurement Auto-scroll performance ✅ Data Transfer & Network Performance Upload/download (UL/DL) bi-directional testing HTTP/FTP transfer speed validation ✅ iPerf Testing (Network Performance Monitoring) Download, upload, and bidirectional data testing Server address, port number, and timeout analysis Transfer mode assessment (duration/data) Simultaneous connections validation ✅ Ping Testing Round-trip time (RTT) measurement Packet count validation Ping interval and packet size optimization ✅ Video Streaming & YouTube Performance Streaming loading and buffering time (Min, Max, Avg) Loading timeout detection Fullscreen, loop, and screen orientation analy sis ✅ Camera & Multimedia Testing Video and image quality assessment Performance testing under various lighting conditions ✅ Battery Performance & Power Consumption Power usage analysis based on user actions Battery temperature, capacity, and voltage trend monitoring ✅ Call & Voice Quality Performance Call establishment time measurement Detection of call drops and failures CSFB (Circuit Switched Fallback) and SRVCC (Single Radio Voice Call Continuity) analysis Speech quality assessment using MOS (Mean Opinion Sc ore) ✅ Messaging Performance SMS, MMS, and email send/receive time testing Minimum, maximum, and average time analysis ✅ Gaming Performance & Device Temperature Game quality testing Real-time temperature monitoring during gameplay ✅ Connectivity Assessment WiFi, Bluetooth, and Cellular Network Performance RAT (Radio Access Technology) distribution across CS/PS (Circuit Switched/Packet Switched) 5G Performance Evaluation Signal Strength Testing in various environments With viSer test automation , manufacturers can run repeatable, scalable, and real-world tests  without the need for extensive manual testing, helping them optimize their devices before launch . 2. Testing Services: Expert Testing with Global Reach For manufacturers looking for real-world testing  without the need for an in-house testing team, SmartViser’s Testing Services   provide an efficient solution. Simply send us your devices along with the proposed test requirements, and our expert team will handle the rest. Key Benefits of SmartViser’s Testing Services 📌 Extensive Local Testers Across Key Markets Europe, USA, and Other Major Regions Testing across all leading carriers with local SIM cards 📌 Deep Knowledge of Local Networks & Drive Routes Expertise in network conditions, carrier behavior, and connectivity challenges Real-world drive testing to evaluate coverage, handover, and signal strength 📌 Experienced Testers with Expertise in Advanced Logging Tools Proficient in analyzing device logs using industry-leading tools Ability to detect and resolve issues related to new network technologies 📌 Support for Complex & Challenging Testing Validation of emergency call performance Testing of new network technologies, including 5G and VoWiFi Real-world stress tests under high-demand scenarios Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.

SmartViser to Exhibit at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona Discover Cutting-Edge Test Automation and Network Monitoring Innovations at Hall 5, Business France/French Tech Pavilion, Stand 5B61-36   Rennes, France – 7th of February - SmartViser is excited to announce its participation in Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, taking place from March 3rd to March 6th. Join us at Hall 5, Business France/French Tech Pavilion, Stand 5B61-36, where we will unveil groundbreaking advancements in test automation and network monitoring. Key Announcements at MWC25 At MWC25, we are expanding our product portfolio with innovative solutions designed to revolutionize network testing and monitoring. Introducing Viser Temp.o and Viser Mate.o – Network Monitoring with Smartphones SmartViser is proud to announce a major expansion of our product line , moving beyond active testing to include network monitoring automation . Our two new products debuting at MWC 2025: Viser Temp.o  – Active (foreground) network monitoring , providing real-time insights into network performance with immediate detection of network degradation or failures Viser Mate.o  – Passive (background) network monitoring , continuously and unobtrusively assessing network conditions in real-world usage scenarios. Together, these solutions deliver true end-to-end testing and network monitoring , offering operators, enterprises, private networks, and other telecom players an unmatched view of network performance  using smartphones as probes. Gain an unmatched  360° view of network behavior, ensuring a superior user experience and service quality . Expanded Capabilities for Viser Neo+ We are enhancing Viser Neo+   with low-layer messaging capture and in-depth analytics , providing deeper network insights and troubleshooting capabilities. Now featuring low-layer messaging capture and in-depth analytics  directly in Viser Web Services Analytics Studio to provide unparalleled insights into network performance. Pinpoint network issues faster  with granular protocol-level insights, helping operators and enterprises with fast and accurate  troubleshooting tools to maintain seamless network performance . Mission Critical Communications (MCPTT/MCPTV) KPI Support SmartViser is introducing new Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) and Push-to-Video (MCPTV) KPIs , including: MCPTT Access Time End-to-End MCPTT Access Time Mouth-to-Ear Latency Late Call Entry Time Perceived Voice/Audio Quality (POLQA) ViSer supports any PTT application on any smartphone device. Speech Quality MOS Testing for Any Device We support Speech Quality Audio MOS (Mean Opinion Score)  testing for both Android and iOS devices . Test on any technology VoNR, VoLTE, and OTT calls  such as Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp , ensuring accurate voice quality assessments across different networks and applications. EU Energy Labelling Regulation & Benchmark Reports Learn the latest updates  on the EU Energy Labelling Regulation  and access our latest benchmark reports , helping manufacturers comply with new industry standards. Enhanced Device Testing with Viser Neo Test Automation Discover how Viser Neo test automation  simplifies and enhances device testing , delivering consistent and accurate performance validation . With increasing device complexity and evolving network conditions , SmartViser’s test automation  ensures that manufacturers and operators deliver high-performing devices and networks  to end-users without the high cost of manual testing . Quality of Experience (QoE) Assessment with Real Smartphones Measure true Quality of Experience (QoE)  using real smartphones for accurate, real-world network performance assessments . QoE is the ultimate differentiator  in the telecom industry. By using real smartphones , SmartViser provides a true-to-life assessment  of how users experience networks and services , helping operators prioritize customer satisfaction . Experience Joint Demos with Anritsu at Stand D41, Hall 5 SmartViser is proud to collaborate with Anritsu to showcase industry-leading innovations in service assurance and network performance testing. Visit Anritsu at Stand D41, Hall 5, for joint demonstrations on: The Future of Service Assurance – AI-Assured Networks for an Autonomous Tomorrow Anritsu’s Service Assurance platform integrates foundational data and AI-driven insights, delivering unparalleled visibility into network operations and subscriber experiences. Through our partnership, we demonstrate how Service Assurance is critical for Private Networks , ensuring secure, reliable, and optimized services. End-to-End Latency Statistics Between MEC Apps and Mobile Terminals Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC) verification for emerging industry verticals, including autonomous driving . Combining Anritsu’s MT1000A tester  with SmartViser’s Neo tools for a multi-domain KPI assessment , ensuring high-precision network quality insights in real-world scenarios. MWC 2025 promises to be an exciting event, and SmartViser is eager to connect with industry leaders, partners, and customers to explore the future of test automation and network monitoring. Join us at MWC 2025 – Hall 5, Stand 5B61-36. Let’s redefine network testing and automation together!   Meet SmartViser at MWC 2025! 📍 Visit us at Hall 5, Business France / French Tech Pavilion, Stand 5B61-36 📅 March 3-6, 2025 | Barcelona Book a meeting with our experts! About SmartViser SAS SmartViser is a leading telecommunications innovator, recognized for its expertise and commitment to customer-centric solutions. Its flagship test automation suite, viSer, enables OEMs, ODMs, Mobile Operators, MVNOs, Regulators, and telecom service providers to thoroughly test, benchmark, monitor, and measure Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) across devices and networks. The versatile viSer suite supports both active and passive monitoring on public, private, and mission-critical networks, offering comprehensive connectivity and device performance insights. viSer is device-agnostic, compatible with iOS and Android, and spans all telecom technologies from 2G to 5G, including VoLTE and VoWiFi. It covers numerous use cases, from POLQA voice quality assessments to speed tests, latency, throughput, calls, and network coverage analysis. SmartViser contributed significantly to the European Union’s Energy Labelling Regulations, ensuring viSer’s compliance with these standards. Beyond automation, SmartViser offers extensive field testing and is an accredited test house for the Altice Group, providing support in over 25 countries. Headquartered in Rennes, France, SmartViser collaborates globally to help customers adopt new technologies faster, reduce costs, and elevate product quality, enabling success in today’s rapidly advancing telecom landscape. You can find more information about SmartViser and its innovative software on the Web at  www.smartviser.com   Press Contact and General Information SmartViser                                      Susie Siouti Chief Commercial Officer  Susie.siouti@smartviser.com

As mobile operators worldwide plan the shutdown of legacy 2G and 3G networks, the spotlight inevitably shifts to next-generation voice solutions, particularly VoLTE (Voice over LTE). In Europe, 2025 stands out as a key date for many operators to complete their 3G sunset. See our report on 2G/3G Sunset Status This shift isn’t merely about switching off older infrastructure; it also heralds an opportunity to significantly improve call quality, connection speed, and user experience—provided the transition is properly managed. Below, we explore what this network evolution means, the challenges it brings, and how proper testing can ensure the best possible user experience. Why Are 2G and 3G Networks Shutting Down and VoLTE impact? Spectrum Efficiency : Older networks consume valuable spectrum that operators can repurpose for newer technologies such as 4G LTE and 5G, which offer greater capacity and speed. Maintenance Costs : Maintaining multiple network generations is costly. Retiring outdated infrastructure frees resources to invest in more advanced networks. Evolving User Needs : The rise of streaming, high-speed internet, and data-driven applications highlights the limitations of 2G/3G, pushing operators to focus on more robust technologies. The Rise of VoLTE VoLTE (Voice over LTE) represents a significant leap forward in voice communication, leveraging the capacity and efficiency of 4G LTE networks. Unlike 3G, which was built mainly for voice and basic data, LTE technology is optimized for higher data throughput. Key Differences Between 3G and VoLTE Calls Call Quality VoLTE : Higher audio clarity with less background noise, thanks to a wider frequency range. 3G : Calls can sound muffled or distorted, especially if signal conditions are poor. Call Setup Time VoLTE : Calls connect almost instantly. 3G : Connections often take several seconds to establish, affecting user experience. Simultaneous Data Usage VoLTE : Users can browse the internet or use data-rich apps while on a call without significant slowdown. 3G : Data usage during calls can degrade call quality and overall performance. Network Efficiency VoLTE : Utilizes the 4G LTE network more efficiently, maintaining better call quality even in congested areas. 3G : More susceptible to congestion and reduced call quality. The Reality Check: VoLTE Reliability Concerns While VoLTE offers compelling advantages, several reports highlight a critical concern: Call Drops : Research suggests VoLTE calls can be four or five times more likely to drop than calls on 2G or 3G networks. Coverage Gaps : As operators reform spectrum to newer technologies, coverage for VoLTE may be uneven in certain regions or in-building environments. These issues underscore the importance of comprehensive testing  and ongoing network optimization . If network operators and device manufacturers don’t address potential reliability gaps, end users could experience more dropped calls and poor voice quality—resulting in frustration and potential customer churn. Ensuring a Smooth Transition to VoLTE 1. VoLTE Device Support Upgrade Older Handsets : Users need VoLTE-capable devices to access these new services. Operators, device manufacturers, and retailers must collaborate to ensure wide availability and clear labeling of VoLTE-compatible phones. Firmware Updates : Some devices may require a simple software update to enable VoLTE. Seamless over-the-air updates can drastically reduce user friction. 2. Comprehensive Testing Real-World Scenarios : Lab tests and network probes alone may not capture all real-world complexities. Testing in actual conditions—such as rural areas, congested city centers, and large indoor venues—reveals potential coverage and reliability challenges. Device Variety : Users don’t all carry the same phone model. Operators need to test VoLTE across popular brands and operating systems to ensure consistent performance. Network Conditions : Varying levels of congestion, different geographies, and building materials can affect signal quality. Thorough testing helps pinpoint network ‘blind spots.’ 3. Continuous Monitoring KPIs and Analytics : Monitor call setup times, call drop rates, handover performance, and audio quality in real time. Machine Learning & Automation : Advanced analytics can predict network issues before they significantly impact user experience, enabling proactive problem resolution. 4. Customer Education Awareness Campaigns : Inform subscribers about changes to 2G/3G networks and the advantages of upgrading to VoLTE devices. Support Channels : Provide users with clear instructions and troubleshooting guides, ensuring they understand how to enable VoLTE features on their devices. How SmartViser Can Help SmartViser specializes in automated testing and monitoring solutions, helping operators, device manufacturers, and service providers ensure the highest levels of quality during this critical network migration. Here’s how: Automated Test Campaigns Perform large-scale, repeatable tests on multiple devices and networks simultaneously, reducing time-to-market for VoLTE-capable devices. Real-World Scenario Testing Deploy field tests that reflect actual user conditions—from remote rural areas to dense urban environments—capturing genuine user experiences and ensuring robust VoLTE performance. Multi-Brand, Multi-OS Support Measure call setup times, call drop rates, and audio quality across a broad range of smartphone brands and OS versions, mirroring the diverse device ecosystem found in the real world. Data-Driven Insights Generate detailed performance reports and analytics that highlight areas for improvement, helping stakeholders quickly optimize network performance and device firmware. Ongoing Monitoring & Maintenance Continuously track network KPIs to detect and address issues in real-time, ensuring that end users consistently enjoy the benefits of VoLTE. By using SmartViser’s end-to-end testing platform, operators and OEMs can confidently phase out 2G and 3G networks, knowing they’ve minimized risks around call drops and poor voice quality. Conclusion The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks is not just an industry buzzword—it's an essential move toward modernizing mobile communication. VoLTE provides clear advantages in speed, voice clarity, and network efficiency. However, these benefits only become a reality through meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and proactive customer engagement. As we approach the 2025 target for 3G sunsets in Europe and see 2G closures accelerate worldwide, the onus is on network operators, device manufacturers, and solution providers to ensure users’ experiences are seamless and enhanced—not disrupted. Ready to ensure your VoLTE rollout is flawless?  Contact SmartViser to learn more about how our automated testing solutions can help you future-proof your network and deliver on the promise of better voice services. Get the latest news from SmartViser. Make sure to subscribe  to our LinkedIn newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn. Susie Siouti is the Chief Commercial Officer for SmartViser helping organisations in the Telecommunications industry offer superior end-user  quality of experience and service with the introduction of innovative test automation products. Susie has 20 years of experience in the Telecoms industry and in that time has led  teams across the world mainly in Testing and Compliance. Holding  an MBA from Henley Business School   brings  a diverse set of skills and expertise, including business acumen, strategic thinking, financial management, sales and marketing expertise, leadership, and innovation. Susie joined SmartViser in 2016, is part of the internal steering committee ,   responsible for developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy and encouraging  a customer-centric  culture. The main  mission is to help organizations to  create value by offering better quality products and services by improving operational efficiency and innovation.