The VoLTE and RCS ecosystem often operates as a restrictive oligopoly. Because the GSMA's Universal Profile isn't fully mandated or universally supported by everyone in the stack, mobile carriers, device manufacturers (OEMs), and tech giants (Google/Apple) leverage their gatekeeping power to control who gets native connectivity and features.

The Carriers: Historically restricted VoLTE to devices bought directly from them. They use proprietary IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) parameters and carrier-specific entitlement servers, locking out unlocked or off-network devices from making calls over LTE/5G networks.

The Manufacturers: Major OEMs (like Apple and Samsung) often negotiate country-by-country or carrier-by-carrier support. Because they control the firmware, they determine which networks are "pre-approved" to receive the necessary configuration profiles.

Google & Apple: They build the mobile operating systems (iOS and Android). As gatekeepers, they dictate how, when, and if network features (like VoLTE or RCS) are surfaced to the user natively, which limits independent app developers from bypassing the carriers' network provisioning.

RCS has effectively become a duopoly dominated by Apple and Google. Both companies control how the service is presented on iOS and Android, forcing device makers to adopt their proprietary APIs and undergo certification before RCS can be enabled.

Google's platform relies on an automated system that repeatedly sends number-verification SMS messages from users' phones; these messages are routed through carrier networks and ultimately billed to the end-user. Because the verification flow is closed and carrier-approved, developers cannot implement their own alternatives, creating an additional financial burden that reinforces the market power of the two tech giants.

I speak from a place of personal experience, having seen firsthand the impact of shutting down legacy networks on those who rely on older devices or lack access to advanced technologies.

The shutdown of these networks affects a significant group of people, leaving them vulnerable to losing reliable communication services.

Your signature matters. Please add yours to this petition and also support the linked petition: https://change.org/keepiton2g

It's crucial not to overlook the societal implications of such a situation. If certain individuals are left behind in the technological race, it creates an uneven playing field that inhibits access to reliable and affordable communication services.

The solution lies in the requirement for a generic VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) profile. Such a profile would be a device- and network-agnostic solution, allowing any device to connect to any network that supports VoLTE. It is an inclusive approach that caters to everyone, irrespective of the device's manufacturer or the network operator subscribed to.

According to GSMA, as of September 2020, 253 operators across 120 countries have launched VoLTE networks. The broad implementation of VoLTE networks suggests the necessity and feasibility of adopting a generic VoLTE profile.

The implementation of a generic VoLTE profile would modernize the telecommunication infrastructure in the world, ensuring that nobody gets left out.

Please lend your voice to the cause. Sign the petition demanding the implementation of a generic VoLTE profile to safeguard affordable and reliable communication for all.

By signing the petition, you'll be supporting a global effort to:

• Ensure that everyone has access to reliable and affordable communication services;
• Promote a more inclusive and equitable approach to telecommunications;
• Encourage the adoption of a generic VoLTE profile, allowing devices to connect to any VoLTE-enabled network.

Join the global call for a more connected and equitable world, where everyone has access to the communication services they need to thrive. Sign the petition today!

Example from Australia:

Telco 4G/5G Device Blocking:
stop-telco-4g-5g-device-blocking-volte-restrictions-australia-s-3g-shutdown

Restrictions for 4G Calling:
remove-restrictions-for-4g-calling-from-the-telstra-mobile-network-before-the-3g-shut-down

Investigate Impact of Shutdown:
investigate-the-impact-of-telstra-s-3g-network-shutdown-on-australians

Sign now and share with your friends and family to help us reach our goal! Together, we can make a difference and ensure that people have access to reliable and sustainable communication services.

Thank you.