FMC: Joined-up telephony for business25 January 2006
Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) is set to transform the telecommunications industry over the next five years as 20 million of us subscribe to the communications technology by 2010, according to research from Analysys.
Using FMC for voice communications developed into an influential trend during 2005 and this is set to increase as the UK's mobile operators and landline telecoms firms compete to retain control of a technology which combines the two fields.
What is it?
Fixed-mobile convergence allows subscribers to use one handset and telephone number to make calls via their landline when in range, but then to be able to roam using the wider mobile network. Such a telephony solution would benefit small business users in a number of ways.
- One phone number allows for flexibility and mobility while working, as a user can be reached by fellow staff and customers as simply as if they were in the office.
- One phone book and voicemail service means customer details and interactions are always on hand.
- One phone bill means communications costs are simplified and more convenient.
- Reduced costs as calls made in the office are routed via a broadband connection.
BT Fusion
The UK's FMC services are currently being led by BT Fusion , launched in 2005 and marking a "watershed" in telecommunications, according to analysts Ovum. Requiring an enabled handset, a BT Hub to route the calls correctly and a broadband connection, the service offers seamless convergence between fixed and mobile telephony connections. This is currently operated via a Bluetooth connection, which allows the phone's signal to be transferred to the broadband connection via the hub. It looks likely, however, that the greater range of wireless internet will be utilised instead once Wi-Fi enabled 3G telephones become more widely available.
Both mobile phone operators and fixed line telecommunications companies are keen to stake their claim in the area of FMC and this is good news for all users as it is likely to result in competitive pricing. Fixed line operators are looking to new markets to make up for a switch by many people to only using mobile telephony and mobile operators in mature markets are looking to offer existing customers new services.
Although this technology is still in its early stages, the potential convenience and financial benefits for both businesses and operators mean that having one handset both when at base and roaming looks set to become the norm.
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