[MWC 2026] Preparing for AI Calling: Ookla's Vision for Updated Voice Quality Standards

BARCELONA, Spain, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At MWC 2026, Mark Giles, Industry Research & Analysis Director at Ookla—a global leader in connectivity intelligence—delivered a keynote titled "Experience-Driven Voice Core Network with Ookla RootMetrics." In his speech, Mark Giles introduced the HD voice experience evaluation framework and the AI Calling voice experience evaluation framework. He also shared insights from a recent voice evaluation project in the Philippines. Ookla is dedicated to assisting operators in enhancing their voice networks through experience evaluations, ultimately improving user satisfaction.

Mark Giles emphasized that voice services are advancing in three key areas. First, new user groups like live streamers and digital avatars are emerging. Second, innovative smart terminals such as AI assistants and AI glasses are on the rise. Last, new user behaviors, including AI applications and remote interactions, are becoming prevalent. These advancements are driving the voice experience toward higher definition, AI integration, accessibility, immersion, and interactivity.

Mark Giles noted that the dimensions for evaluating voice experience must adapt to include AI. Assessing AI-powered voice experience is a major industry focus. Therefore, in addition to traditional QoE, QoS, and coverage metrics, Ookla's voice experience evaluation now incorporates three new dimensions: AI-based immersive experience, AI-based interaction experience, and QoI (Quality of Intelligence). QoI measures factors like the accuracy and latency of AI models, and service inclusivity. The AI-based immersive experience evaluates elements such as AI noise reduction MOS. The AI-based interaction experience assesses aspects like real-time translation accuracy. This updated framework offers a more thorough and structured approach to guiding operators' voice services in the AI age.

Ookla uses its world-leading drive test tool, RootMetrics, to evaluate operators' voice experience in regions like Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. In his presentation, Mark Giles discussed their voice service evaluation project in the Philippines. Using Speedtest Drive, Ookla conducted a comprehensive 1,200 km drive test, collecting 23,000 data samples in Manila. This test provided the first systematic and thorough insight into the country's voice service experience. Results of Philippines project showed that operator-provided VoLTE services significantly outperform OTT services in metrics like MOS, call blocking, and call drops. This is due to OTT voice services sharing bandwidth with general Internet traffic, making them more susceptible to network congestion. During peak data usage, OTT calls can be blocked or interrupted. Moreover, the data reveals that the overall VoLTE connection rate in the Philippines stands at just 31%, a notably low figure. To improve voice experience, phase out outdated 3G networks, and embrace AI-driven advancements, the Philippines must further develop its VoLTE services. Moving forward, Ookla will continue to evaluate AI-enhanced voice services in countries like the Philippines. For more details, download the report from the Ookla official website.

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[MWC 2026] Preparing for AI Calling: Ookla's Vision for Updated Voice Quality Standards

Advancing native 5G integration across satellite networks

HERNDON, Va., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, will showcase a live demonstration of native 5G NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network) connectivity featuring a satellite-optimized 5G gNodeB integrated into its cloud-native Intuition ground system, at the Satellite 2026 Conference. The technology enables standards-based 5G NR satellite access from the 5G UE (User Equipment) to the 5G core network and marks the next phase of the company's 5G roadmap, highlighting its progress in 5G convergence.

The demonstration will highlight native 5G NR-NTN access interfacing with the 5G core, enabling seamless interoperability with terrestrial networks as well as other 3GPP and non-3GPP NTN systems supporting advanced 5G applications. This capability is essential for operators and enterprises extending 5G services globally across hybrid terrestrial satellite environments and represents a major step toward unified, standards-based 5G NTN deployments that enable ubiquitous connectivity.

The demonstration builds on ST Engineering iDirect's earlier work in enabling roaming across non-3GPP networks and now highlights the second pillar of its 5G NTN roadmap: full 3GPP NTN access. The solution integrates ST Engineering iDirect's satellite-optimized RAN technology, including a 5G gNodeB stack developed as part of the Intuition system. Building on decades of innovation in satellite radio access networks, it aligns with the latest 3GPP NTN specifications and establishes a foundation for future advancements, such as ST Engineering iDirect's recently demonstrated GNSS-free capabilities for 5G NR, while accelerating the transition to standardized, software-defined 5G NTN networks.

"The live 5G NR-NTN demonstration marks a major milestone in our hybrid 5G strategy," said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer at ST Engineering iDirect. "This is the foundation of our approach—enabling operators to evolve from non-3GPP to full 3GPP NTN access while maximizing the value of their existing infrastructure and preparing for the next generation of hybrid 5G–6G networks."

Visit ST Engineering iDirect at Booth 2406 at the Satellite 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C., March 23-26, to see firsthand how native 5G NR-NTN connectivity is shaping the future of integrated, standards‑based global connectivity.

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. With over 40 years of delivering innovation focused on solving satellite's most critical economic and technology challenges we are committed to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded iDirect, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is a leader in key industries including mobility, broadcast and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information visit www.idirect.net.

 

Advancing native 5G integration across satellite networks

HERNDON, Va., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, will showcase a live demonstration of native 5G NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network) connectivity featuring a satellite-optimized 5G gNodeB integrated into its cloud-native Intuition ground system, at the Satellite 2026 Conference. The technology enables standards-based 5G NR satellite access from the 5G UE (User Equipment) to the 5G core network and marks the next phase of the company's 5G roadmap, highlighting its progress in 5G convergence.

The demonstration will highlight native 5G NR-NTN access interfacing with the 5G core, enabling seamless interoperability with terrestrial networks as well as other 3GPP and non-3GPP NTN systems supporting advanced 5G applications. This capability is essential for operators and enterprises extending 5G services globally across hybrid terrestrial satellite environments and represents a major step toward unified, standards-based 5G NTN deployments that enable ubiquitous connectivity.

The demonstration builds on ST Engineering iDirect's earlier work in enabling roaming across non-3GPP networks and now highlights the second pillar of its 5G NTN roadmap: full 3GPP NTN access. The solution integrates ST Engineering iDirect's satellite-optimized RAN technology, including a 5G gNodeB stack developed as part of the Intuition system. Building on decades of innovation in satellite radio access networks, it aligns with the latest 3GPP NTN specifications and establishes a foundation for future advancements, such as ST Engineering iDirect's recently demonstrated GNSS-free capabilities for 5G NR, while accelerating the transition to standardized, software-defined 5G NTN networks.

"The live 5G NR-NTN demonstration marks a major milestone in our hybrid 5G strategy," said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer at ST Engineering iDirect. "This is the foundation of our approach—enabling operators to evolve from non-3GPP to full 3GPP NTN access while maximizing the value of their existing infrastructure and preparing for the next generation of hybrid 5G–6G networks."

Visit ST Engineering iDirect at Booth 2406 at the Satellite 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C., March 23-26, to see firsthand how native 5G NR-NTN connectivity is shaping the future of integrated, standards‑based global connectivity.

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. With over 40 years of delivering innovation focused on solving satellite's most critical economic and technology challenges we are committed to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded iDirect, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is a leader in key industries including mobility, broadcast and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information visit www.idirect.net.

 

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

ST Engineering iDirect Demonstrates 3GPP NTN Access at Satellite 2026