Global cloud-native Internet of Things (IoT) platform provider Soracom, Inc. has introduced its newest cloud offering, Soracom Air RTC Gateway. The service is designed to seamlessly bridge cellular voice traffic from IoT endpoints directly to existing VoIP networks, enterprise contact centers, and conversational AI agents.
By processing native Voice over LTE (VoLTE) transmissions directly within the cloud, the platform routes inbound calls using intrinsic device identifiers such as SIM groups and metadata tags eliminating the need for custom voice software on the hardware or standalone credential management.
Eliminating the Hurdles of Industrial Voice Deployments
In different sectors, including smart mobility, construction infrastructure, healthcare, and safety, real-time voice accessibility is crucial. Voice connectivity for such devices as an emergency panel inside the elevator, payment kiosk at the parking lot, access gate, and car is required in a real-time.
However, conventional voice integrations historically present severe implementation barriers, including:
- Complex Fleet Management: Managing individual telephone numbers and complex routing matrices across large device deployments.
- Costly Software Overhead: Developing custom device-side voice applications or provisioning dedicated embedded credentials.
- AI Integration Friction: Integrating voice streams into modern generative AI platforms for automated intake and initial triage.
Soracom Air RTC Gateway resolves these challenges by handling routing at the network level. Because the platform leverages the standard IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and VoLTE capabilities present in standard cellular modules, hardware manufacturers and solution providers can deploy voice functionality out of the box. Security is anchored directly by cellular SIM authentication along the protected Soracom Air network path.
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Architectural Mechanics: How the Gateway Converts and Routes Voice
[IoT Endpoint (VoLTE)]
│
▼ (Secure Soracom Air Path)
[Soracom Air RTC Gateway]
│ (Conversion to VoIP)
├─────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
[External VoIP Provider] [Contact Center / IP PBX] [Conversational AI Agent]
When an end-user initiates a call from an IoT endpoint, the voice signal moves across the secure cellular channel to the Soracom cloud platform. The Air RTC Gateway converts the inbound VoLTE traffic into VoIP protocol and instantly evaluates the device’s underlying SIM identity.
Depending on preset administrative rules, the stream is routed via the internet or a private connection via a Soracom Virtual Private Gateway (VPG) directly to:
- IP PBXs and Call Centers for Enterprise: Routing directly to the support staff or internal extensions within the organization.
- VoIP Networks of Third Parties: Easy interfacing with the existing SIP trunk and VoIP setup.
- Conversational Voice AI Agents: Direct input into the generative AI for 24/7 caller intake and agent handover.
Furthermore, when combined with Soracom’s eSIM Profile Order capability, the solution allows enterprise-managed mobile hardware and smartphones to operate as internal corporate extensions with secure access to internal infrastructure without traditional physical provisioning.
Executive Insight
Speaking on the launch and the broader vision for connected intelligence, Soracom CTO and Co-Founder Kenta Yasukawa highlighted the evolution of the platform: “Soracom began by making connectivity accessible to IoT innovators, and we have since extended that foundation to public cloud, satellite, and AI,” said Kenta Yasukawa, CTO and Co-Founder of Soracom. “Voice is the next layer. With Soracom Air RTC Gateway, a device’s built-in cellular voice becomes a managed connection that the platform routes by SIM identity to a contact center, a VoIP provider, or an AI agent, with no voice application on the device. This is how we connect people, things, and AI through one platform, and how Soracom keeps making things happen for the teams building real-world AI.”
Primary Market Applications
The rollout of Soracom Air RTC Gateway delivers immediate operational advantages across key B2B sectors:
- Industrial & Heavy Machinery: Rapid remote technical support for field engineers operating construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment.
- Public & Smart Infrastructure: Emergency communication for elevators, automated parking gate stations, and security installations.
- Healthcare & Telemedicine: Emergency nurse-call capabilities and voice-assisted diagnostic tools embedded in medical hardware.
- Connected Transportation: Automated emergency assistance and roadside support routing within fleet and connected vehicle systems.
- Enterprise Operations: Secure extension dialing and cloud system integration for field staff utilizing enterprise-managed mobile devices.
