IDC's Asia/Pacific Convergence and Mobility Conference 2007

FMC - Changes & Opportunities

"Convergence" is the telco industry's new mantra. More specifically, Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) - the integration of landline and wireless technologies and services to create a single telecommunications network foundation - has captured the collective imagination of the industry, for obvious reasons. The convergence of fixed and mobile networks means that telco operators can provide services to users irrespective of their location, access technology, and terminal, hence reaching all potential customers with all types of services.

What impact will FMC will have on the industry?

FMC is going to trigger restructuring and changes in the business structure and network infrastructure of carriers. FMC will threaten some legacy services but create new opportunities for fixed and mobile carriers to compete in each other's spaces. New technologies such as IPTV, mobile TV, location-aware and context aware functions, WiMAX, mesh networking, peer-to-peer computing, software defined radio equipment, IPv6 upgrades to the internet equipment, and multi-mode mobile devices will place new demands on the IT infrastructure in terms of storage requirements, billing, customer care, decision support, and IP-based applications. As a result, there is a need to find the answers to questions such as:

Who are my (potential) customers, does my product mix make sense, and what services can I add?
Am I using my existing resources at an optimal level?
What is the impact that FMC will have on each of the layers in the network infrastructure - Access, Control, Transport, Routing/Switching, Gateways, and Build & Service
How do I realize ROI on my existing IT investments?
How does FMC impact IT and related systems integration at carriers?

The traffic migration trend from fixed to mobile is viewed as a strategic threat to fixed operators, and a significant growth opportunity for cellular operators. However, if you take a step back and consider, the emergence of FMC represents the recognition that the communications world will never be "all wireless" or "all mobile". This is most evident in the corporate telephony sector where fixed-line communications are deeply entrenched, and increasingly integrated with IT systems. The early signs of convergence are becoming apparent as enterprises take to Extension to Cellular application that allows enterprises to connect their IP telephony platform to the cellular network. The evolving standards and uncertain regulatory environment are adding to the visible confusion surrounding FMC.

So, what does this mean to industry players? What lies ahead? There is a need to explore the perceptions (and misperceptions) that enterprises, service providers and technology vendors have of FMC at this early stage, so as to determine the most likely course that FMC development will take.

Asia/Pacific Convergence and Mobility Conference 2007: FMC - Changes & Opportunities

IDC and its partners will help educate and inform a targeted audience on topics such as:

FMC in its many avatars within the emerging standards, technologies, and mobile devices framework
How will the evolving network technologies and Dynamic IT shape FMC?
Uncovering opportunities with FMC
Market Scan: FMC readiness of stakeholders and early adopters in key markets in Asia/Pacific
Status Check: Enterprises' current and planned adoption of FMC in Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan)
Key issues surrounding FMC: Striking the right note to deliver value

Press Relations:

Singapore

Eileen Tan
Media Relations & Marketing Executive
Tel: +65-6829-7775
Fax: +65-6220-6116
Email: [email protected]

Hong Kong

Holly Fung
Marketing & Events Executive
Tel: +852-2905-4225
Fax: +852-2537-7347
Email: [email protected]

http://www.idc.co.th/ConvMob07/