Join the FMC Revolution with Consumer and Business Services – Hosted by Erik Larsson, VP Marketing, Converged IP Communications, Comverse

FMC: A Market Update and Review by Graham Finnie, Chief Analyst, Heavy Reading
After Erik Larsson’s introduction, Graham Finnie, Chief Analyst, Heavy Reading, gave a market update and began by saying how the transition to all IP networks and services is already well underway, and VoIP is catalyzing the transition to fixed-mobile convergence (FMC). Graham contended that convergence is happening now due to a combination of commercial and technological drivers. On the commercial side, for example, there is a need for both wireline and wireless operators to steal minutes from each other in saturated markets. On the technological side, the growing maturity of VoIP and IMS, which is the architecture of choice for most major telcos, is enabling convergence. Based on Heavy Reading research, operators feel that the most important barriers to FMC are organizational, such as the rivalry inside large telcos between their wireline and wireless subsidiaries, and their lack of ability or incentives to cooperate. While FMC is now a strategic objective for most major operators, we are still at an early stage and many challenges still exist.

Vodafone Approach to FMC presented by Barry Gallagher, Head of Fixed/Mobile Convergence, Consumer Marketing Group, Vodafone
Vodafone is pursuing a three-pronged strategy when it comes to fixed-mobile convergence, according to Barry Gallagher, Head of Fixed/Mobile Convergence at Vodafone's Consumer Marketing Group. First, the operator offers best-in-class mobile services, featuring full mobility and fixed-mobile substitution (FMS). To achieve this objective, Vodafone chooses between strategic, offensive and defensive approaches, depending on individual market dynamics. Second, Vodafone is offering an integrated mobile/PC experience where the PC client allows voice communications and messaging between the desktop and the mobile handset. Third, Vodafone is becoming a "complete home communications provider." This entails the bundling of fixed DSL and voice services to drive new revenue streams in the home. Vodafone's FMC strategy pursues these three objectives to create stickiness and sustain revenues across various segments depending on consumer preferences and market conditions.

Quad Play and Enterprise FMC
Erik Larsson, VP Marketing, Converged IP Communications, Comverse
Erik Larsson wrapped up the session with a presentation on Quad play – the combination of fixed voice, Internet/broadband, TV/video and mobile – which is on the rise. Enabling the largest set of multi-play service combinations and targeted bundles, quad play empowers operators to increase ARPU, profitability and subscriber loyalty. Subscribers also benefit from quad play thanks to seamless access to a complete range of services available across multiple devices, simpler billing and customer care and reduced communications costs.