The fixed-mobile convergence market (
is on the brink of very interesting times, according to analysts at
Research. UMA-based Wi-Fi dual-mode solutions have seen some significant
penetration in both
thanks to successful market introductions by T-Mobile in the
(T-Mobile @Home) and
in
and the
The first real competitive solution that could rival
Wi-Fi-based products has now appeared, in the form of Sprint's nationwide (
femtocell-based AIRAVE solution. The questions remain
is there room for both types of convergence in the market; and which solution
is best placed to succeed?
total of 103 million access points of both types to be in service by 2013. Vice
president and research director Stuart Carlaw says, "We expect cellular-based
femtocells to have taken over the baton from UMA- and SiP-based Wi-Fi solutions
by 2013, seizing 62% of the market." He goes on to add that, "Although UMA-based
Wi-Fi solutions have seen early gains in
markets, these solutions have not proliferated much outside their current
carrier footprints. This can be attributed partly to the carriers' desire to
assess femtocell developments, but also to lingering concerns regarding the
concept of Wi-Fi based fixed-mobile convergence."
study "Fixed-Mobile
Convergence" examines the opportunity for UMA and SIP in converged
network services, dual-use handsets, Wi-Fi access points, picocells and
femtocells. It includes a review of the current standards position and
activities of the major vendors