New research from Kaleido Intelligence provides an updated view of the VoLTE roaming market, examining the technical and operational requirements needed to support deployment and the ongoing impact of legacy network sunsets. The report assesses VoLTE roaming availability globally, compares regional deployment progress, and explores how operators are managing the transition away from 2G and 3G networks.
To inform this report, Kaleido’s Wholesale Roaming 2026 MNO Survey was used, with a particular focus on VoLTE and VoNR deployment timelines, as well as the strategies adopted by operators without VoLTE roaming support. The survey drew on responses from 68 Tier 1 and Tier 2+ MNOs, alongside a select group of MVNOs.
The State of Legacy Networks – 2G/3G Sunsets
The process of shutting down legacy networks started many years ago, and sunsets remain a regular occurrence, with many still yet to come. These sunsets are a key embodiment of the transition to newer technologies, namely 4G and 5G, and are instrumental in making “space” for new deployments.
Total Global Number of 2G & 3G Closure Announcements
Source: GSMA
Shutting down 2G and 3G networks frees spectrum that can be reallocated to LTE and NR, while also helping operators reduce the cost of maintaining legacy infrastructure. However, although there are strong strategic reasons to sunset legacy networks, the process also creates significant operational and public-safety challenges.
Kaleido’s new research examines these challenges to help operators build a more complete understanding of the transition to VoLTE. For MNOs, careful planning of legacy network sunsets is essential, because uneven implementation can create serious risks, including disruption to emergency calling and other critical services. In January 2026, EENA called on MNOs and policymakers to delay further 2G/3G shutdowns until emergency communications issues were resolved, citing interoperability failures and service risks in parts of Europe, with similar concerns also reported in other markets.
VoNR & The Future of Voice Services
Voice over New Radio (VoNR) is the successor to VoLTE, allowing for voice services to be delivered over 5G core networks without the need for LTE fallback. It allows for the maintenance of high-quality data connections when calling, much like VoLTE, and is a key consideration for any operator wishing to offer users the full extent of 5G SA’s capabilities.
Whilst both VoLTE and VoNR provide a better user experience than traditional circuit-switched services, VoNR offers a native 5G voice experience. VoNR is expected to support IVAS (Immersive Voice and Audio Services), which utilises the speed and low latency of 5G SA environments to provide exceptional clarity and quality. IVAS is specifically designed for real-time, low-latency use cases (such as multi-party conference calls).
VoNR Readiness: Is your organisation preparing for VoNR roaming?
Source: Kaleido Intelligence Wholesale Roaming MNO Survey 2026
Although VoNR represents the future of native 5G voice, Kaleido’s new research shows that VoNR roaming remains at an early stage of deployment and is currently supported by only a minority of operators. It will take time before VoNR can meaningfully displace VoLTE at scale, meaning the two IMS-based voice services are likely to coexist for the foreseeable future.
For more information on operator timelines for VoNR roaming, refer to Kaleido’s latest VoLTE report.
VoLTE Roaming: Market Outlook & MNO Roadmap 2026 – Key Findings
- VoLTE roaming deployments continue to expand across the globe, with particularly notable growth across Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Two-thirds of MNOs surveyed have launched bilateral VoLTE roaming agreements as of Q2 2026.
- Awareness of the need for VoLTE (outbound, inbound) interworking solutions has increased significantly.
- Widespread VoNR deployment is unlikely anytime soon – over 60% of respondents are not preparing for VoNR roaming as of Q2 2026.
As circuit-switched voice usage declines, voice roaming revenues are expected to fall by 80% or more between now and 2030. Meanwhile, the growth in VoLTE/VoNR traffic will result in around 58 billion MB of data usage by 2030. While this represents a substantial increase in data consumption, it will generate considerably lower voice roaming revenues (attributable to data roaming revenues) compared to traditional voice services.
Access the report
Access Kaleido’s VoLTE Roaming: Market Outlook & MNO Roadmap 2026 for a comprehensive look at the current state of VoLTE roaming usage and revenues, alongside insights on network sunsets, market requirements, VoNR outlook, and a selection of recommendations to guide strategic VoLTE deployment.
Blog Author: Max Holden, Market Research Analyst