FMC: The real deal arrives

FMC: The real deal arrives
While the world was going crazy over the iPhone [1] last week, something that I think is even more significant was taking place in Norway. Lyse Tele became one of the first carriers of significant size to deploy an IMS/SIP-based fixed mobile convergence (FMC) solution. The solution uses the Comverse MyCall Converged Communications solution and Cicero Networks CiceroPhone and CiceroController.

In a briefing, Ross Brennan, CEO of Cicero Networks, told me that the announcement "was a step up in terms of the size of the operator and the extent of the offering" since Cicero Network's first customer went live in 2005. Cicero Networks has been working on voice over WiFi for the past six years. Today, five customers are using the software and another 20 are in trial, he added.

Many may see T-Mobile's announcement of its FMC solution as the more significant news. However, T-Mobile's solution is based on the Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) standard. Brennan says UMA gives cellular operators better control over their offerings, whereas an IMS/SIP-based solution swings the door to innovation wide open.

"People recognize the disruptive power of IMS/SIP-based FMC," says Brennan. "There is no reason for a Lyse Tele subscriber to be interested in Truphone." Now that IMS/SIP-based end devices are available, 2007 is going to be the "tipping year" for true FMC, he adds.

I recall vividly the first time I saw SIP and the future SIP promised demonstrated to me seven years ago. I was blown away. It was clear that SIP was going to create the future and enable each of us to create our own piece of the future, too. It is indeed exciting to see that SIP end devices are here and that the tipping year has arrived. -Annie [2]

P.S. For a Fierce perspective on the current state of FMC, join us at the upcoming webinar, "Fixed Mobile Convergence Progress Report," on July 17. Register here. [3]