WebRTC Vendor Strategy: AT&T, Power in Numbers

“WebRTC Vendor Strategy” is a monthly series highlighting the strengths of WebRTC Platform as a Service (PAAS) providers in the industry. In this article we will focus on the AT&T Enhanced WebRTC platform.

As Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC) continues to make its presence known as a solution that can circumvent traditional means of telecommunications, carriers such as AT&T have to evolve with the times. Over-the-Top (OTT) providers such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat and others are providing solutions that make it hard for carriers to recoup lost subscribers. AT&T has been smart enough to understand this issue and invest heavily into creating a solution that takes communications beyond the traditional telephone number.

AT&T Enhanced WebRTC is uniquely different than any other solution in the industry. AT&T, has over 120 million wireless subscribers which in itself commands attention. As the industry matures, there is debate on whether a federated system should be provided to allow all WebRTC endpoints connect to a unified system. There are both pros and cons. A benefit of this system is the ability for an individual to dial a number and connect to any carrier around the world. However, on the contrary, a federation system would slow adoption and the ability for the technology mature quickly. While WebRTC operates in what can be considered a silo because of the ability to only connect to users of the same solution, AT&T has deployed this federated solution through the use of their vast subscriber base. AT&T intends to create a service that allows the subscriber phone numbers to double as a WebRTC endpoint which will expand their service even further across the world. If a user is not an AT&T subscriber, AT&T will provide a phone number available for rent.

In Conclusion

It’s taking AT&T some time to rollout some of the exciting features we are all waiting for, such as connecting to subscriber by their number. But more importantly, the fire has  been lit under other telecommunications providers, such as Verizon, that are actively building solutions around WebRTC. It will be interesting to see if carriers plan to federate WebRTC endpoints as they have done with phone numbers. If so it would probably be decades out based on the pace that large telecom providers implement new technology.

About Blacc Spot Media, Inc.

Blacc Spot Media focuses on Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC) development across web, mobile, native desktop and telephony implementations. Our team works on strategic projects developing custom applications, enterprise platforms and mobile applications for a wide array of clients. If you are interested developing your own WebRTC product or service, let us know how we can help you.

Take a look at our website for more information (https://www.blaccspotmedia.com) or email us at hi@blaccspot.com.