Fixed Mobile Convergence - An Introduction

Fixed mobile convergence is an ongoing alteration in the nature of mobile and stationary telecommunications, meaning that the differences in between the two technologies are thinning. Many, like the Fixed Mobile Convergence Alliance, feel that at some point soon phone providers distinction between fixed and mobile services will evaporate completely, thus they will offer all services in one unified package.



The Advantages of Fixed Mobile Convergence to Users



In many ways, fixed mobile convergence already exists. Some providers are providing free wireless solutions to consumers of their internet services. But, eventually, the FMCA wishes to see the convergence taken a step further than this.



The objective is to present customers with a "seamless service" - imagine being able to transfer a call from a fixed line to your mobile phone, without interruption. Or, having the ability to make use of a wireless network, and then switch straight to a mobile connection with no obvious interruption to your service. This is the eventuality that carriers believe fixed mobile convergence will bring. Preferably, the service of all providers would be agnostic, which means that your mobile will be able to utilize any telecoms lines, regardless of who your genuine supplier is.



Furthermore, you would have the capacity to give out one number, which would cause your mobile, landline, and voice-over-IP computer software to ring. As well as only one number to remember, you would profit from a sole voicemail to keep track of and the capability to switch between devices as necessary.



The Next Era of Handsets



Owing to these innovations we are currently experiencing the growth of a different sort of handset. Named 'dual mode handsets' they are able to accommodate telephone calls using both mobile and wi-fi systems. To the consumer, there's no notable difference in the way the call is handled. Oftentimes the system employed is hidden from the user, and due to Voice Call Continuity technology, it should be tricky if not impossible to understand when a call is being transmitted.



VCC is fashioned for voice, and voice alone. True fixed mobile convergence endeavors to handle an entire range of multimedia sessions, where voice may well be just a single element of the session.



The technologies needed for fixed mobile convergence is already available and is in place. A few PBX manufacturers such as Comdasys, Avaya and Cisco already integrate mobile compatibility into their latest systems. There are also several bolt-on systems for mobile compatibility that should function with nearly any PBX. These bolt-on systems are a boon for smaller corporations which do not want to shut themselves in to one particular vendor, but do want to provide their staff members a high level of flexibility when it comes to controlling their communication requirements.



The Future For Providers



Currently, there's little motivation for providers to collaborate to provide genuinely carrier agnostic services. Mobile and fixed telecoms are still divided enough that a company offering an all-in-one option for wi-fi, mobile and fixed line is still ahead of their competitors. What we can anticipate is that as more carriers start to offer these solutions, the present networks will come to be more versatile and offer more flexibility.