Skip to main content

Fixed-Mobile Convergence is Evolving

The dream of using one telephone with one number whether at home, at work or on the street -- and of networks smart enough to hand over a call in progress -- is approaching reality.

"Fixed-mobile convergence" is the buzzphrase for this telephonic utopia, and it is being driven by a complex blend of threats and opportunities that are analyzed in a new ABI Research study.

Pressured by VoIP operators such as Skype/eBay and Vonage, and anxious to reduce costs by bringing fixed and mobile businesses together, mobile operators, mobile virtual operators and integrated network operators (including France Telecom and British Telecom) are increasingly drawn to FMC.

"The case for FMC rests on the availability of low-cost, dual-use (cellular and WLAN) handsets," says the study's author, analyst Ian Cox. "The first models are nearing commercial launch, and their prices should be competitive with conventional mobile handsets early in 2006. That will be the trigger for offering this service."

FMC needs to be standards-based to ensure cross-network compatibility, and this regulatory effort is well under way. The result: UMA, usable with existing mobile networks and IMS-capable for IP networks, will lead early in the consumer market, while SIP addresses the needs of the enterprise.

"We expect FMC to take off sooner in Europe and Asia than in North America because of the greater prevalence of GSM and 3G services in those regions," notes Cox. "However any operator using a suitable network can gain a competitive edge by early adoption of FMC, and ABI Research anticipates that up to a fifth of all broadband subscribers will be taking advantage of FMC's convenience and lower costs by 2010."

Popular posts from this blog

Global Information Security Trends for 2025

The global Information Security landscape is poised for significant growth, driven by escalating online cyber threats and the increasing complexity of digital business ecosystems.  According to the latest market study by Gartner, global spending on information security is expected to grow by 15.1 percent in 2025, reaching a total of $212 billion. This investment highlights the importance of cybersecurity and underscores the need for new measures to protect sensitive data and infrastructure from cyber threats. Information Security Market Development Several key trends illustrate the scale and scope of the spending: This growth reflects the increasing prioritization of cybersecurity across industries as organizations seek to safeguard their digital business assets and maintain trust with customers. Spending on Security Services is forecast to rise by 15.6 percent in 2025, reaching $86.07 billion globally. This growth is driven by the ongoing shortage of cybersecurity talent and the need