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December 2007: One Phone for All Places |
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One Phone for All Places
Fixed mobile convergence technology allows businesses to connect their wireless and hardline phones.
by Tom McEvoy
Communication with customers, colleagues and partners is fundamental to running a successful business. But maintaining “real time” relationships can be difficult when many communication products and services do not allow wireless and wireline (the new term for landline) phones to work together.
A new technology known as fixed mobile convergence (FMC) gives business owners the ability to connect their wireless and wireline phones. By connecting the two systems, calls can move seamlessly between wireline and wireless networks. The convergence also can lower phone costs.
An Emerging Technology
In response to the requests of business consumers, the telecommunications industry set its sights on bringing low costs, convenience and communication together. The FMC technology allows calls to transfer between a wireless network and a wireline network without changing or interrupting the call. A wireline is land based, using in-ground and telephone pole cables, in contrast to wireless cellular and satellite services.
With the ability to move an active call from your office phone to your mobile phone, and vice versa, you do not have to end a call because you walk into your office or leave your desk to attend a meeting at another location.
FMC has been on the horizon of the telecom industry for years, and is still considered on the frontier of business communications. While the industry may be a couple of years away from widespread adoption, the technology is gathering momentum and is becoming more readily available. Check with your wireless provider to determine if the technology is available for your system.
FMC brings wireless and wireline technology together with one network and one handset. A wireless dual-mode cell phone enables calls to automatically detect which network is the strongest and seamlessly move between the wireless network and a Wi-Fi network without manual transfer of the call. This means an active call moves between a business’ wireless and wireline networks based on where the handset it located. For example, you could begin a call in your office and stay on that call as you walk out to your car and drive away.
Businesses Save Money and Serve Customers Better
According to a 2005 study conducted by Pyramid Research, up to 40 percent of billed wireless minutes occur inside a business’ location, a statistic that may ring loudly in the ears of those with profit-and-loss accountability.
FMC can reduce the number of dropped calls, missed calls and calls cut short, which have become an all too familiar part of the business day. A business owner can reduce the number of voicemail boxes for each employee. Where currently you may need one for your wireless phone and one for the office line, with the new technology you only need one. The result can be a positive impact on profitability.
In addition, because you have a single phone number shared between your office phone and wireless device, you are always accessible to your clients and customers. Business associates no longer have to track you down by trying both your office phone and your cell phone, which also allows you to respond to your business’ needs more quickly and efficiently.
One Phone Number
The smart network connection can help minimize dropped calls, allow for better management of wireless charges and provide efficient integration of off-site employees. In addition to switching seamlessly between networks, FMC technology allows businesses to distribute one contact phone number. When a call comes in to that number, both the wireless and wireline phones ring simultaneously, and both devices are linked with one voicemail box.
Because typical business customers use many of their wireless minutes inside the office, the switch to FMC can save money because the phone uses the cheaper wireline system in the office.
The new technology can help eliminate communication snags between electronic devices while lowering costs and providing more convenience. Business owners can concentrate on making a profit and improving service for their customers and stop worrying about how many wireless minutes are used or how many calls are missed.
FMC Availability
The previous two years have been critical in development, trial and launch of FMC products. Communications companies both large and small have developed FMC products and services that have a wide range of uses and fit the needs of every business.
Before deciding to convert to a FMC service, businesses should consider their own unique needs. If employees use a lot of wireless minutes inside the office or if they miss calls while traveling, FMC might provide cost savings and convenience benefits that your company is looking for.
FMC also is easy to set up and operate, and most service providers will install FMC in your office and troubleshoot problems. Once installed, FMC is user-friendly and typically requires only a brief training session that explains the technology system and functions of wireless smart phone.
To see what kind of FMC technology is available in your area, check with your local communications service provider.
Tom McEvoy is president of business markets at Embarq Corporation. He can be reached at (913) 534-3002.
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