Convergence trends for fixed and mobile services

The interest and demand for convergent solutions affecting fixed and mobile services has grown recently due to liberalization in the service offering regime and induced levels of competition among operators. A variety of convergence actions has been planned and studied by both incumbent and new entrant operators in Europe, where innovative service packages are already being offered. Any convergence initiative pursues objectives of service and/or commercial nature through some association of fixed and mobile services. Among the factors driving convergence are: the possibility of configuring services matching diversified user needs; exploitation of network infrastructure; and economically attractive market opportunities. This article considers these factors as part of a discussion of several examples of convergence. The article also focuses on the parallel, and fundamentally alternative, approach based on the offer of typical fixed applications through mobile networks. This "substitution" trend takes advantage of the continued penetration of mobile services and sophistication of mobile systems, and will significantly influence the future convergence paths and opportunities.