Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) and Unified Communications

Mobile to mobile convergence (MMC) is a term to describe a technology used in modern computing and telephony. The term is an offshoot of fixed mobile convergence (FMC) and uses dual mode (cellular network and WiFi) phones with a special software client and an application server to connect voice calls and business applications via a VoWLAN and/or through a cellular service.

Mobile to mobile convergence differs from conventional FMC in that the technology uses the WLAN to route calls via the internet as a primary function, and uses the wireless carrier network if the WLAN is not present as a secondary function. It is significant since it is viewed as a means to compete with carrier companies since the calls are routed around the cellular network. This is viewed as a more efficient use of networking technology than standard FMC solutions that are available as well, since most of the latter use the carrier network as the primary means of communication and do not leverage the lower cost and controls of internet protocol-based networks that are generally installed at most modern businesses. In theory, it also provides the capability of providing a greater voice coverage area than either carrier or WLAN technology alone since some areas do not have cellular service coverage and others do not have WiFi.

Six companies, British Telecom, NTT, Rogers Wireless, Brasil Telecom, Korea Telecom and Swisscom have formed the Fixed-Mobile Convergence Alliance (which as of January 2007 has 26 members) with the purpose to encourage the seamless integration of mobile and fixed-line telephone services.

The “mobile service provisions” aspect refers not only to the ability of subscribers to be able to purchase mobile phone like services as is often seen in co-marketing efforts between providers of land-line services. Rather it is one major ambition of wireless - the ability to have access to all of the above including voice, internet, and content/video while on the go and requiring no tethering to the network via cables.

According to a new report by Juniper Research, worldwide VoIP over Wi-Fi equipment revenues are expected to reach over $82bn by 2012 with North America leading the market at $35bn in revenues, EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) with $23bn and Asia Pacific with $21bn.

Report Author, Basharat Hamid Ashai, says that “the dual mode handset market will pick up much faster in the coming years than the single mode Wi-Fi handset sector. The handset market is moving to a stage where no one wants to carry two or three devices in their pocket, so the ability to have a single device for all calls is a compelling proposition. Most single mode VoIP over Wi-Fi handset manufactures are actively either designing or planning to ship dual mode phones”.

Further details from the report include:

1.      Dual Mode Mobile Handsets (Cellular/VoIP over Wi-Fi ) will dominate this market generating almost $68bn in revenues by 2012 out of a total market of $82bn.   Note: These handsets will be driven by technology such as Voice Call Continuity (VCC) and IMS-SIP/VCC for Seamless Mobility Between VoWiFi and Cellular Networks.

2.      Single Mode VoIP over Wi-Fi Handsets will continue to see a conservative uptake primarily due to high pricing – resulting in revenues of only $1.5bn by 2012.

3.      Enterprise Access Points (supporting VoIP) will generate over $5bn by 2012.  Note: These devices will be powered by software and hardware similar to the Integrated Designs for VoIP-Enabled Quadruple Play Devices.

4.      Enterprise WLAN Switch/Mobility Controllers (supporting VoIP) to reach almost $8bn by 2012.  Note: High bandwidth switch designs incorporate VoIP often by using softDSP technology in multiprocessor designs.

The technology notes above illustate the ready-to-design availability of technologies to fit the FMC feature set.  VoIP over WiFi and VoIP over WiMax will continue to make news in 2007 and will reach market in 2008.