China Mobile is partnering with Huawei to develop virtualised VoLTE services that use network function virtualisation (NFV) as the next-generation core network architecture.

The two firms recently demoed so-called “cloudified” VoLTE service that runs on commercial off-the-shelf hardware servers and cloud operating systems. The demonstration featured NFV-based core network elements with virtualised IMS, evolved packet core, subscriber data management and policy and charging rules function (PCRF). The demo supported HD audio and video services.

Huawei has been working with China Mobile to develop a mobile core network since 2007 and on NFV since 2012.

China Mobile reportedly has launched VoLTE service in five cities, with countrywide VoLTE service expected by the end of the year, C114.net said.

Huawei announced last month that it secured 35 VoLTE contracts in 2014, with three networks now in commercial use.