Q&A: Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC)
What is driving convergence of fixed and mobile networks?
How does convergence change networks for operators? Is there a service delivery value on converged networks?
How does convergence change services for customers?
What technology elements are needed to deliver converged services?
What are some different operator strategies for enabling convergence?
Will applications and services reside within the network?
Who has deployed IMS or converged services in the U.S.?
What is driving convergence of fixed and mobile networks?
Competition is driving Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC). Operators are looking at how to build customer loyalty, how to minimize churn, how to increase ARPU, and how to deliver the best communication and entertainment bundle to consumers and business users alike. There are many types of convergence emerging, for devices, services, networks and technologies.
From the user perspective, market research tells us that consumers are looking for a personalized, unified experience over multiple connection methods, e.g. GSM/HSPA, Wi-Fi, fixed-broadband, etc. for services they use. A converged network will enable business and residential users to share information and access an array of applications, using a single device, connected via either wireless or wireline technologies. This applies to new voice, data and video services. Consumers desire this service transparency, meaning "any time, any place, any device," both for work and for their personal lives. At its core, convergence is all about access, convenience and capability for customers.
On the technology side, the adoption of wireless, internet and broadband technology is the catalyst of the fixed-mobile convergence trend. IP Multimedia Subsytems (IMS) help remove the traditional network boundaries and represent a tremendous technology catalyst for convergence. IMS coupled with other technology enablers such as multi-radio terminals, digitalization of content, maturity and broad deployment of IP, multi-access networks that complement each other, and open service creation platform technologies will spur the fixed-mobile convergence trend.
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How does convergence change networks for operators? Is there a service delivery value on converged networks?
An integrated network enables better quadruple play services than separate networks. When all services ride the same network, they speak the same language and can share information and content. Services can then be more fully integrated, as they may be delivered over any device.
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How does convergence change services for customers?
Increasingly, network convergence will enable users to move seamlessly between access technologies. Users will no longer have to navigate between LANs, VPNs, DSL, Wi-Fi and 3G. In the near future, the intelligent network will automate connectivity to deliver the best possible connection at a given place and time, while maintaining seamless connectivity throughout.
Users will be able to interact with applications and content like never before, combining voice and data applications to more effectively share information, or accessing video content via wireless device while on the road. Applications will share a single network and core IP language, enabling levels of interactivity that are not possible with existing technologies.
For consumers:
Convergence means the integration of the three critical screens -- the PC, the TV and the wireless phone. Increasingly, consumers will be able to use any of the three screens to access any of their applications – video, data or voice. Wherever they are, and whatever device they happen to be using, customers will be able to access the applications they need.
Customers also will be able to seamlessly switch between different communications applications, such as IM, voice, video and Web file sharing. Communications and entertainment, services in high demand by customers, are an integral part of this new converged world.
For business users:
Convergence means enhanced productivity, increased efficiency, and new levels of collaboration. Users will be increasingly able to combine applications, using voice, data and video applications to communicate with colleagues, regardless of whether they are in the office, on the road or at home.
Example: A customer can initiate a call in the office, walk out of the building, and drive home without switching handsets. That call will automatically switch from the office network to the wireless network to the home network.
Customers also will be able to seamlessly switch between different communications applications, such as IM, voice, video and Web file sharing.
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What technology elements are needed to deliver converged services?
Three essential technology elements are needed to deliver converged services: IP-based applications, IP-enabled devices, and, most importantly, a network capable of delivering these applications and content to users wherever they may be, and whatever device they may be using.
Some operators are deploying IMS technology to seamlessly integrate its wireless and wireline networks, and to converge all traffic onto its IP backbone network. Additionally, operators are building intelligence into their networks to enable them to be application-aware and device-aware. In other words, the network will deliver applications that are optimized for the device and network connection that a customer happens to be using.
In addition to an advanced network, operators offering converged services need to drive development of software and applications that enable new convergence capabilities, ranging from video compression and delivery to speech-to-text applications.
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What are some different operator strategies for enabling convergence?
Different operators have different needs and business requirements depending on their strategy and current network assets. Some possible examples are:
- Adding broadband wireless play or providing additional coverage
- Launching new broadband services
- Reducing operating expenditure with one core network infrastructure
- Adding enhanced Video or VoIP play
- Bundled, triple or quadruple-play services
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Will applications and services reside within the network?
Next-generation converged networks will be integrated, application-aware networks. Technology is moving towards applications and services residing within the network, which brings the point of convergence into the network as well.
- Networks are no longer about just transport; they are about solutions
- Better integration, intelligence and customization are possible with this model
These networks will be able to customize applications and data to fit the device the customer happens to be using. For example, a high-definition video stream would be sent to a customer’s digital TV, while a smaller video stream would be sent to a customer’s wireless phone. All of this customization will be automatic, and delivered via the converged network.
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Who has deployed IMS or converged services in the U.S.?
AT&T is the first U.S. provider to deploy IMS technology, which will enable the seamless sharing of applications and information between wireless and wireline networks. AT&T first introduced Video Share as an IMS-enabled converged service in 2007, and announced additional capabilities to be introduced in 2008 and beyond.
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