The number of VoLTE (Voice over LTE) connections is predicted to skyrocket over the next five years, rising from 123m currently to 2bn by the end of 2020 as noticeable improvements in voice quality spur more and more networks to adopt the technology.

According to a new study by Juniper Research, the number of connections will rise rapidly between now and 2020, increasing to 1bn by 2018, then doubling again by 2020. The technology is likely to become standard on new handsets, which will prove a major driving force in its adoption.

With an increasing number of non-traditional competitors such as Facebook offering high definition VoIP calling, networks hoping to remain competitive will be forced to integrate VoLTE into their offerings, or may face a sharp rise in customer churn.

While adoption of VoLTE would ensure networks remain an attractive option to consumers, there are unlikely to be any direct revenues from the technology to begin with. Network operators will likely focus on experience and quality of service to being with, in order to appeal to customers, as well as on improving their own network efficiency.