Statistics on FMC and Dual-Mode Handset Adoption

A new market survey, conducted by BBDO Consulting and commissioned by Outsmart Ltd., a provider of network convergence, IMS, and IN-based solutions, reveals that over 65% of fixed and mobile operators plan to implement Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) services into their product suites over the next three years. The survey also found the dual-mode handset to be the most recognizable type of FMC service.

The survey participants included operators, vendors, analysts, VCs, SI and others. When asked to define the types of services or benefits they associate with FMC, and being able to mention more than one, 75% of respondents chose a dual-mode handset. Others solutions included one phone bill (34%), a home zone rate plan (27%), voicemail convergence (13%), a Skype-like solution (9%), or other (11%).

As for planning to implement FMC into their services, 26% of respondents said they have already implemented it, 11% said they planned on implementing some services by the end of the year, 18% said they planned on doing it by next year, while 13% said they intended to implement some FMC services within the next 3 years.

With regards to specific types of FMC services, such as a converged service that allows one to make calls on their mobile line over a PC, more than 91% of respondents said they would use the product either while traveling abroad, at home, or in the office, while just 9% said they would not use the product at all.

84% of respondents said they would use FMC services, with 55% saying they would use it both at home and in the office, 21% saying they would use it only at home, 8% saying they would use it only for the office, and 13% saying the wouldn’t use these services at all.

In addition to focusing on the FMC market in general, the survey also focused on specific brand recognition of major FMC service providers and their products. Outsmart was named as one of the top recognized companies to offer FMC products and solutions, along with Ericsson, Nokia and Siemens.