What is Fixed Mobile Convergence?

Fixed Mobile Convergence (also known as FMC) is used to describe integrated connectivity between fixed and wireless telecommunications networks and devices. FMC allows mobile telephones to function seamlessly within an organisations fixed network infrastructure.

As workforces become more mobile and flexible, the need and requirement to always be contactable either via fixed or mobile communications is crucial to all business operational requirements. The term FMC covers a number of variants and solutions with the common objective of allowing mobile handsets and desk phones to work as an integrated system. This includes the ability for a telephone system to treat a mobile phone as an extension and the ability for a mobile to behave like an extension.

As well as providing a single number to be reached on, true FMC solutions present a single number for outbound calls so that calls made from mobile devices appear to originate from the caller’s extension rather than presenting a mobile number.

Defining a strategy for FMC has a lot in common with defining an overarching unified communications strategy. It should all operate as a single system, delivering the same functionality and features regardless of where you are located or whatever device is in use.

Key features and benefits of deploying a Fixed Mobile Convergence strategy

Cost savings
FMC allows business organisations to implement policies that route mobile calls over their network. This ensures that fewer calls are placed over the Mobile networks which ultimately results in reduced costs.  No additional costs are incurred with users twinned with internal DDI number range, i.e. giving a single fixed number with no expensive call divert charges.

Unified features such as voicemail retrieval and call transfer
FMC provides simple management and consolidation of a corporate voicemail box, no further need for individual voice messaging services. Also gives users the ability to use PBX functionality like directory searches, local exchange address books, extension dialling and call transfers from their familiar mobile handsets

One number
FMC also means one number and one voicemail that can be used on both fixed desk phones and mobiles, irrespective of make or model.

Management and simplified billing
With economic pressures to make operational cost savings, a single telecoms supplier makes common sense. Having one supplier and a single point of contact for all billing enquiries, whether fixed or mobile allows easy audit, reducing administration time and associated costs. Management of business and personal usage gives additional benefits.

Improved customer service
With a single number, users are given the ability to make contact first time and be contactable at all times. Customer service queries can be answered efficiently and professionally which improves business productivity. Having a single range of DDI numbers negates having different numbers and ensures customers know fixed numbers rather than personal mobile numbers which can disappear when an employee leaves

Security
In industries that have stringent security or compliance regulations, FMC allows IT departments to set-up policies that require all inbound and outbound calls to use the corporate phone number. This means that calls can be routed through the telephone system for logging or recording to better comply with regulations.