IMS

Technology & Computing abbreviation · Telecom

IMS
Stands forIP Multimedia Subsystem
CategoriesTechnology & Computing

IMS stands for IP Multimedia Subsystem, a telecom abbreviation.

Architecture in mobile and fixed networks that delivers voice, video and messaging over internet protocol using SIP signaling. It is the platform behind VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, VoNR and carrier RCS.

Example: Calls failed across the network because of an outage in the operator's IMS core.

Usage notes

3GPP introduced IMS in Release 5 around 2002, but it saw wide deployment only when LTE required IP-based voice. Phones must be provisioned for a carrier's IMS services, which is why VoLTE sometimes fails on imported devices. IMS also enables emergency calling over IP networks.

More telecom abbreviations

  • GSM – Global System for Mobile Communications
  • GSMA – GSM Association
  • HFC – Hybrid fiber-coaxial
  • HSPA – High Speed Packet Access
  • ICCID – Integrated Circuit Card Identifier
  • IMEI – International Mobile Equipment Identity
  • IMSI – International Mobile Subscriber Identity
  • ISDN – Integrated Services Digital Network
  • IVR – Interactive voice response
  • LEO – Low Earth orbit
  • LTE – Long Term Evolution
  • LTE-A – LTE-Advanced

See all 114 telecom abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.