SORACOM Launches "SORACOM Air RTC Gateway," a Voice Connectivity Service Utilizing IoT Devices' Standard Voice Call Function (VoLTE)

Cloud native IoT platform provider SORACOM Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ken Tamagawa) today announced the launch of "SORACOM Air RTC Gateway," a new feature for SORACOM Air. This service enables the integration and utilization of voice calls and text messages into IoT systems by connecting to customer-specified VoIP providers, PBXs (Private Branch Exchanges), and call centers, leveraging the voice call functionality (VoLTE) standard on cellular communication modules without requiring additional software stacks on the device side.

In recent years, there has been a growing need to communicate "by voice" directly with operators from IoT devices in the field, such as parking payment machines and entry/exit gates in outdoor parking lots, emergency call buttons in elevators, remote medical care and calling in medical/nursing care settings, and support services from vehicles. Furthermore, with the advancement of generative AI, there is an increasing demand to implement initial responses and initial handling of emergencies using AI for voice-based primary reception. However, while voice call services provided by telecommunications carriers allow for calls to and from assigned phone numbers, they often struggle to support the flexible control required by IoT systems, such as restricting outgoing numbers or only receiving incoming calls from specific numbers. Utilizing dedicated VoIP services or PBXs allows for flexible system design, but this would prevent the use of the VoLTE function standard on cellular communication modules, necessitating the development of firmware or applications on the device side, creating barriers to introduction and operation.

SORACOM Air RTC Gateway is a service that, when IoT devices using SORACOM IoT SIMs have VoLTE functionality, receives voice connections via that function on the SORACOM side and transmits them to the customer-specified connection destination. By setting connection destinations for each SIM group and assigning VoIP authentication information for each SIM ID, devices can be flexibly connected to their specified destinations. This allows for use cases such as recording ambient sounds on a server when connecting from IoT equipment via a VoIP service, or building systems that integrate with voice AI or call centers through PBXs, enabling AI-based primary reception via VoLTE-compatible intercoms, with subsequent handover to a担当者 (person in charge) if necessary.

This service performs SIM authentication using procedures based on IMS/VoLTE standards over a session established through the secure communication channel provided by SORACOM Air. Only authenticated terminals can make and receive voice calls and send/receive messages. If a connection destination VoIP service or PBX is configured for the relevant terminal, SORACOM will act as an intermediary to register with the specified endpoint after VoLTE authentication is complete. When a voice call is made via VoLTE from a registered terminal, SORACOM Air RTC Gateway terminates the VoLTE voice call request and forwards the voice call request to the destination VoIP service.

By configuring customer-provided VoIP provider accounts, external connections can be made, allowing calls to be made and received using numbers issued by that provider. Furthermore, by using closed-network connections with VPG (Virtual Private Gateway, a customer-dedicated gateway installed within SORACOM), it is possible to securely connect to a company's internal PBX for internal calls or calls to the call center, as well as to build systems that connect via voice to AI agents that can access internal company information.

By utilizing the "eSIM Profile Order" function, which issues SORACOM communication profiles, and issuing a communication profile with SORACOM Air RTC Gateway settings applied, it can be installed on eSIM-compatible IoT devices and smartphones. This allows for the creation of a system that provides closed-network connection profiles for customer-owned or company-owned devices, enabling secure access to internal calls and internal systems. For example, by simply scanning a QR code issued by the IT department, employees can activate their eSIM and connect to internal calls or internal AI agents via voice using VoLTE functionality.

Use cases for this service include voice utilization in field IoT devices such as remote support for construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery; anomaly reporting and emergency calls for elevators and security systems; calling and voice assistance from medical and nursing care equipment; and connection to support centers from connected cars. In addition, diverse applications are expected, including automated responses using voice AI agents and internal calls/secure access to internal systems for company-owned devices utilizing eSIM.

SORACOM will evolve into a platform that provides voice communication for people, things, and AI. By making the utilization of AI/IoT more accessible and seamlessly connecting diverse devices, people, and AI in various fields, we will contribute to innovation in society and business.

Overview of SORACOM Air RTC Gateway

Service Launch Date

July 7, 2026

Service Overview

A function that receives voice from IoT devices via their standard communication function (VoLTE) and routes it to a specified VoIP service or PBX based on SIM information.

Key Features:

No special software required on the device side (utilizes standard functions of IMS/VoLTE compatible modules)

Security guaranteed by SIM authentication (no need for additional credential management)

Connection to any VoIP provider/IP PBX (external calls, internal calls, IVR, AI agents, etc.)

Programmable configuration management (specify connection destination per SIM, change settings via API/console)

Prior application is required to use this service. For those who wish to use it, please inquire from the following link:

https://soracom.jp/contact/

About SORACOM

SORACOM, an AI/IoT platform, provides a one-stop solution for applications and devices necessary for IoT utilization, centered around IoT connectivity that works in over 200 countries and regions worldwide. It is utilized by customers of various industries and scales, from industrial DX in manufacturing, energy, and payments, to innovative startups, and initiatives supporting sustainable local communities such as agriculture and disaster prevention.

Corporate Site https://soracom.co