Fixed–mobile convergence

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Fixed–mobile convergence (FMC) is a change in telecommunications that removes differences between fixed and mobile networks.

In the 2004 press release announcing its formation, the Fixed-Mobile Convergence Alliance (FMCA) said:^[1]

Fixed Mobile Convergence is a transition point in the telecommunications industry that will finally remove the distinctions between fixed and mobile networks, providing a superior experience to customers by creating seamless services using a combination of fixed broadband and local access wireless technologies to meet their needs in homes, offices, other buildings and on the go.^[2]

In this definition "fixed broadband" means a connection to the Internet, such as DSL, cable or T1. "Local access wireless" means Wi-Fi or something like it. BT's initial FMC service, BT Fusion^[3] used Bluetooth rather than Wi-Fi for the local access wireless. The advent of picocells and femtocells means that local access wireless can be cellular radio technology.

The term "seamless services" in the quotation above is ambiguous. When talking about FMC, the word "seamless" usually refers to "seamless handover", which means that a call in progress can move from the mobile (cellular) network to the fixed network on the same phone without interruption, as described in one of the FMCA specification documents:

Seamless is defined as there being no perceptible break in voice or data transmission due to handover (from the calling party or the called party"s perspective).^[4]

The term "seamless services" sometimes means service equivalence across any termination point, fixed or mobile, so for example, dialing plans are identical and no change in dialed digits is needed on a desk phone versus a mobile. A less ambiguous term for this might be "network agnostic services".

The FMCA is a carrier organization, mainly oriented to consumer services. Enterprise phone systems are different. When Avaya announced its "Fixed Mobile Convergence" initiative in 2005, it was using a different definition. What Avaya and other PBX manufacturers were calling FMC was the ability for a PBX to treat a cell phone as an extension, and the ability for a cell phone to behave like a PBX extension phone:

Extension to Cellular technology: software seamlessly bridges office phone services to mobile devices, permitting the use of just one phone number and one voice mailbox. Client software extends the capabilities of the PBX to a mobile smartphone, creating a virtual desk extension. This software runs on Nokia Series 60 phones and works in conjunction with Extension to Cellular.^[5]

In other words, this new definition of FMC included neither local access wireless nor fixed broadband technology. The only defining characteristic it shared with the previous definition was seamless services, albeit without seamless handover.

Fixed–mobile convergence has not developed as expected, allegedly because of lack of demand.^[6] A paper published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2007 also reaches a pessimistic conclusion.^[7]

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the adoption of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) solutions by businesses. This shift is driven by several factors that highlight the growing importance and advantages of FMC in the modern business environment:

1. Enhanced Employee Productivity: Businesses are turning to FMC solutions to boost employee productivity by providing a unified communication platform. FMC allows employees to use a single phone number and communication tools across both mobile and fixed networks, simplifying their workflow and reducing the complexity of managing multiple communication channels.
2. Cost Efficiency: FMC solutions can lead to significant cost savings for businesses by integrating mobile and fixed communication systems. This consolidation helps reduce expenses associated with maintaining separate infrastructures and streamlines telecommunications costs.
3. Improved Customer Service: FMC is increasingly being utilized to enhance customer service. With seamless handover capabilities and unified communication platforms, businesses can offer more consistent and reliable support, which improves overall customer satisfaction.
4. Integration with Cloud Services: The rise of cloud computing has further fueled the adoption of FMC solutions. Businesses are integrating FMC with cloud-based services, enhancing the flexibility and scalability of their communication systems and aligning with the broader trend towards cloud environments.
5. Support for Remote and Hybrid Work: FMC solutions are particularly advantageous for remote and hybrid work arrangements. By providing a seamless experience across various devices and networks, FMC helps employees remain connected and productive regardless of their location.
6. Customization and Flexibility: Modern FMC solutions offer a high degree of customization and flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their communication systems to meet specific needs and preferences. This adaptability makes FMC solutions appealing to a diverse range of organizations.

As of September 2024, the adoption of FMC solutions in the business sector reflects a broader trend towards more integrated and efficient communication systems, driven by the need for seamless connectivity and enhanced operational effectiveness.

• Quadruple play
• Technological convergence