Only 5% of phone subscribers are expected to be using Fixed
Mobile Convergence (FMC) services by 2013, says a report from
research firm Informa.
FMC is seen as an ideal way for SoHo and SME operations to cut
their comms bills, as it enables them to use cheaper fixed phone
lines with a mobile phone when in range.
Informa said, "Convergence has taken a battering in recent
months as operators have failed to deliver the mass of subscribers
they promised with the offer of multi-platform converged
devices.
"FMC subscribers are expected to increase by 2013, but these
subscribers are only forecast to equate to around 5% of the global
market at this time."
The forecast for 2013 comes after widespread hype about the
benefits FMC. However, companies such as BT have found little
take-up for FMC services, which see a single phone provided to link
to both fixed-line and mobile phone networks.
The Informa Telecoms and Media forecast is that over 190m
subscribers will be FMC users by 2013.
Informa report
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