Many challenges remain beforeFixed Mobile Convergence (FMC)is
widely deployed even though the benefits of seamless roaming
between wireline and wireless networks are becoming clearer,
according to new research from In-Stat.
In its latest report,
'Enterprise FMC: A Lot of Activity, but
Lacking Demand for Now', the research firm identified the
greatest of these challenges as finding a compelling business
case for most wireless carriers, who view FMC as a
contra-revenue threat. Such a feeling is also regional.
"This is clearly the case in the US, with the exception of
T-Mobile, which has primarily been focused on the consumer market,"
explained David Lemelin, In-Stat analyst. "Communications industry
leaders will not be dissuaded by lagging felt need for FMC
solutions by businesses, and will aim to develop compelling
solutions that, once experienced, will lead to viral adoption over
the next several years."
In its analysis, In-Stat found that even though a fifth of
businesses with
Wi-Fi capability use voice over Wi-Fi, it still remains to be
seen whether FMC can be revenue-generating or simply become a
differentiated throw-in to lure businesses to traditional and
emerging wireline and wireless network services.
Despite current lagging demand however, In-Stat expects
dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handset shipments to increase
significantly over the next several years. During this time period,
SIP phones should outstrip UMA phones.