What is Fixed Mobile Convergence or Fixed Wireless Access?

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Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC), also known as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), is a technological trend that looks to forge a seamless connection between fixed and wireless telecommunications networks. FMC also describes the physical network allowing mobile phones to function smoothly within the fixed network infrastructure. Simply put, whether you are at home, outside, or walking past a business with Wi-Fi, your devices will seamlessly connect to the best, nearest network for access to the internet, phone or SMS services. FMC is not an entirely new concept; the idea has been floating around the telecommunications landscape for quite some time promising to be the next big thing.

Fixed Mobile Convergence wishes to optimize the transmission of all data, voice and video communications among all end- users independent of their location or device. As of now, FMC is being used by carriers to provide seamless switching between cellular and local networks for mobile users primarily at home using their Wi-Fi network.

Is Fixed Mobile Convergence/Fixed Wireless Access a Good Idea?

There are several benefits of Fixed Mobile Convergence, but the greatest benefit from the business side of this technology is convenience. The benefit to home phone side of the technology might just be having one number to make and receive calls.

For businesses, there will be one number allowing businesses to connect and reach clients and contacts wherever their representatives are, it will allow them the convenience to connect with others, collaborate with their co-workers or even keep in touch with customers.

For the home phone, there will be one number to make and receive calls, this will allow you to connect with others wherever you are. Going for a morning coffee, going to the gym, shopping, working from home, etc.

FMC/FWA allows you to call a client in your office from your mobile phone, and the ability to come and go as you please without having to drop the call. You no longer need to worry about switching phones or calling someone back on a different line.. You will be able to maintain a seamless phone presence with a contact without having to call back or switch phones.

Fixed Mobile Convergence will allow business and home users to take advantage of the benefits of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology wherever they may be. Access to Wi-Fi will provide complete coverage from their smartphone without disruptions in service, breaks in the call, and buffering videos.

With the implementation of FMC, the telecommunications industry will not have to scrap a standard desk phone and replace it with a mobile device. This will allow business leaders to have an affordable, efficient, and secure way to ensure that departments can remain connected on the same number.

Creating the Perfect Fixed Mobile Convergence Solution for Business

As far as the business landscape goes, we are still in the preliminary stages of discovering what FMC can accomplish. To effectively be a success, FMC needs to get the cellular and Wi-Fi networks to effectively work and function together.

While some cellular providers are creating fixed- mobile convergence solutions on the cellular network, other vendors are exploring Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard, while still others are looking into WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), which is a family of wireless broadband communications standards.

There are some rumblings that a number of providers working on a fourth-generation network for FMC, with some potentially future discussions about combining LTE and WiMAX.

Creating a 5G Fixed Wireless Access Solution for the Home

The development of 5G allows mobile technology to compete with the demands of fixed- line services. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) allows network operators the opportunity to deliver ultra-high-speed broadband to suburban and rural areas and support in-home Iinternet where fiber may be too expensive to set-up and utilize.

Delivering fixed broadband has been a continuous challenge due to the cost and complexity of the roll-out of high-speed data services. Technologies such as WiMAX have made attempts to bypass the loop and prevent the fiber trench. These initiatives ultimately failed due to the integration of an entirely new infrastructure, as well as the expensive cost of proprietary equipment.

Compare that to 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) which uses standardized architectures and existing mobile infrastructure to deliver an ultra-high-speed broadband service to home subscribers.

While it is difficult to predict what the future of FMC/FWA might look like, it seems that companies will almost certainly continue to experiment and research this area. Look out for more updates from Optimum on the advancements made in Fixed Mobile Convergence/Fixed Wireless Access.

 

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