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Understanding Fixed Mobile Convergence

Fixed mobile convergence is a continuous alteration in the dynamics of mobile and stationary telecoms, meaning that the distinctions in between the two technologies are thinning. The Fixed Mobile Convergence Alliance, an organization composed of telecoms companies, feels that soon we might see carriers eliminate the distinction between their fixed and mobile services, and provide a mix of services in one bundle.

Author: Robert Deans
Date: Jan 28, 2012 - 8:07:54 AM

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Fixed mobile convergence denotes how the disparities between fixed line and mobile telecoms are reducing. The Fixed Mobile Convergence Alliance, an institution made up of telecoms carriers, thinks that in the future we might see providers eliminate the difference between their fixed and mobile services, and offer a combination of services in a single bundle.











Why Fixed Mobile Convergence is Great for Consumers











In some ways, fixed mobile convergence currently exists. A number of telecommunications companies are presently offering free wireless access to those who use their broadband services. Yet, in the long term, the FMCA wishes to see the convergence taken a step further than this.











The target is to provide users with a "seamless service" - visualize having the ability to shift a call from a set line to your mobile phone, without disturbance. Or, being able to make use of a wireless network, and then switch directly over to a mobile connection with no obvious interruption to your service. That is what the service providers are aiming for with fixed mobile convergence. Preferably, the service of all providers would be agnostic, which means that your mobile will be able to employ any telecoms lines, no matter who your actual supplier is.











Furthermore, you would be able to hand out one number, that would cause your mobile, landline, and voice-over-IP computer software to ring. You would have just a single voicemail to stress about, and you would have the capacity to switch between devices as needed.











A New Generation of Handsets











On account of these developments we're now witnessing the emergence of a cutting edge sort of handset. Known as 'dual mode handsets' they're able to accommodate phone calls using both cellular and wi-fi systems. Individuals using the telephone are not likely to see any difference whilst using the phone. Oftentimes the system employed is disguised from the consumer, and due to Voice Call Continuity technology, it should be tricky if not impossible to recognise when a call is being transmitted.











VCC is not able to handle anything besides voice calls. Fixed mobile convergence in its truest form is able to merge many different forms of communication multimedia.











The technologies required for fixed mobile convergence is already available and is in place. A number of PBX manufacturers such as Comdasys, Avaya and Cisco currently incorporate mobile compatibility into their newest systems. Lots of older PBX systems can improve merely by employing a bolt-on system for cellular compatibility. These bolt-on systems are a blessing for smaller companies that don't wish to shut themselves in to one specified supplier, but do want to provide their staff a high level of mobility in regards to handling their communication needs.











The Future











Right now, there's minor motivation for providers to join hands to provide truly carrier agnostic services. The cellular and fixed line world is still fragmented enough that a company supplying an in-built solution that's restricted to their own mobile, WiFi hotspot, and fixed line services is still in advance of the crowd. With any luck, as increasing numbers of carriers offer such services, we'll see the networks open up more, to supply more versatility of choice to consumers.

This post was written by R. Deans, experts in fixed mobile convergence.

View all articles by Robert Deans

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