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Enhancing Voice Quality Standards with AI at MWC 2026

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Mark Giles, the Industry Research and Analysis Director at Ookla, presented a compelling keynote speech titled "Experience-Driven Voice Core Network with Ookla RootMetrics." This presentation underscored Ookla’s commitment to redefining voice quality standards in an era increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

Giles introduced two crucial frameworks during his talk: the HD voice experience evaluation framework and the AI Calling voice experience evaluation framework. These frameworks are designed to provide deeper insights into voice service quality and user experiences, aiming to boost operator capabilities in voice networks.

The Evolving Landscape of Voice Services

As technology evolves, the voice services landscape is undergoing significant transformations. Giles highlighted three key areas of advancement:

1. Emerging User Groups: New demographics, such as live streamers and digital avatars, are changing how voice services are utilized.
2. Innovative Smart Devices: There is a rise in cutting-edge smart terminals, including AI assistants and smart glasses, which are modifying traditional voice interactions.
3. New User Behaviors: The adoption of AI applications and remote interactions is increasingly prevalent, indicating a shift in consumer expectations for voice quality and service efficacy.

To extensively evaluate voice quality, Ookla's frameworks incorporate modern factors that reflect AI's integration. Apart from conventional metrics such as Quality of Experience (QoE), Quality of Service (QoS), and coverage, the new evaluation now includes three additional dimensions that focus on AI involvement: immersive experiences, interactive experiences, and Quality of Intelligence (QoI).

Understanding the New Evaluation Metrics

• - AI-based Immersive Experience: This dimension measures the effectiveness of AI noise reduction technologies, determining how well these technologies enhance the overall voice quality during calls.
• - AI-based Interaction Experience: It evaluates how accurate and effective real-time translation features perform during conversations, ensuring smooth communication across language barriers.
• - Quality of Intelligence (QoI): This metric assesses the precision and latency of AI models, alongside their inclusivity in service delivery, thus ensuring that all user groups can benefit from advancements in technology.

This revised framework represents a comprehensive approach aimed at guiding network operators through the evolving demands of voice services in an AI-centric world.

Case Study: Voice Evaluation Project in the Philippines

As part of his presentation, Giles detailed a recent voice evaluation project undertaken in the Philippines. Utilizing their renowned RootMetrics drive test tool, Ookla conducted a thorough examination over a distance of 1,200 km, gathering around 23,000 data samples across Manila. The insights derived from this project provided the first structured understanding of the current state of voice service experience in the country.

The results indicated that operator-provided VoLTE (Voice over LTE) services significantly outperformed Over-The-Top (OTT) services in several important metrics, including Mean Opinion Score (MOS), call blocking instances, and call drop rates. The key finding highlighted that OTT services, which operate over general internet bandwidth, are at a greater risk of disruption due to network congestion during peak times, making them less reliable than traditional VoLTE services.

Despite the existing challenges, including a remarkably low VoLTE connection rate of 31% in the Philippines, Giles noted the critical need for the country to transition away from outdated 3G networks and embrace advancements driven by AI. The continuous evolution of VoLTE networks would not only improve voice quality but also pave the way for more robust communication technologies.

Moving forward, Ookla plans to further assess and enhance AI-infused voice services across various regions, including the Philippines. For those interested in a deeper analysis, the findings and recommendations from this project can be accessed through the official Ookla website, providing valuable insights into the future of voice services.

Overall, Mark Giles' keynote at MWC 2026 reflects a significant shift in the telecommunications industry, emphasizing the necessity of adapting to include AI in voice quality standards to meet the demands of modern users.