British Telecom (BT), will introduce a device and service that it hopes will bridge the gap between fixed and mobile services. The new service is initially being trialled with 400 users and will be rolled out commercially in September. BT Fusion is the culmination of years of technical development and market research that was previously known as Project Bluephone. The new wireless handsets will connect to BT�s traditional fixed line network when users are in their homes but will automatically log on to a mobile network when subscribers leave the home environment. BT moved out of mobile telephony in 2001 when it spun off what used to be called mmO2 into a separate, independent business. Significantly, for the telco�s return to the mobile arena, it is partnering with Vodafone rather than with its offspring, O2. BT hopes the service will create �1 billion of additional revenue. It's part of the carrier�s long-term strategy to stem the loss of fixed line customers that are churning away in increasing numbers, and opting for mobile connectivity instead.
Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) – comprising digital wallets, instant payments, and QR payment systems – are experiencing explosive growth that's reshaping the global financial services marketplace. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research , the combined global transaction value for APMs is projected to reach $142 trillion by 2030. What's particularly fascinating is the underlying driver behind this trend: a growing desire for financial sovereignty, with nations developing domestic payment ecosystems rather than remaining dependent on international financial networks. Payment Ecosystem Market Development In 2024, approximately 45 percent of the global population used digital wallets – a remarkable adoption rate for a technology that barely existed a decade ago. China leads this transition, with 95 percent of its population using WeChat's payment functionality. WeChat exemplifies the "super app" phenomenon, where payment capabilities are in...