test

WiFi drives rise in enterprise FMC

Fixed-mobile convergence handset voice connections – defined as those made over WiFi, picocells or femtocells – for business customers will rise from 6.3 million in 2009 to more than 27 million by 2014, according to a new study from ABI Research. Femtocells have gotten the most attention in the enterprise, but report author Dan Shey said dual-mode cellular and WiFi phones will also drive enterprise FMC.

WiFi in smartphones is already on the rise, growing from a 45% attach rate in 2009 to 90% in 2014. According to ABI, business customers are still the primary adopters of smartphones and are, therefore, driving the increased use of WiFi FMC. These business users aren’t necessarily using their smartphones for work, however. ABI found that business customers accessing the web, watching videos and connecting to their social networks for personal reasons is another factor causing an increase in FMC in the enterprise.

While a lack of WiFi in phones is no longer a gating factor for FMC, wildcards remain, Shey said. When downloadable voice-over IP apps from companies such as Skype and Truphone that operate over WiFi or unlimited cellular data plans become enterprise grade, their availability will present new opportunities and challenges for the enterprise mobile market - just as they did in the consumer market.

Sources:
Sarah Reedy

blog.telephonyonline.com

US Airways starts Wi-Fi Service early 2010

US Airways Group Inc. will provide Wi-Fi service on its aircraft beginning early next year.

The carrier, the third-largest at Sacramento International Airport, has hired Aircell to provide Internet access for passengers with laptops, smartphones and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

Financial terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed.
The pricing for Gogo Inflight Internet on US Airways will be announced closer to the launch date. Customers will be able to choose services from Aircell’s standard pricing structure, which currently ranges from $5.95 to $12.95.
“Gogo Inflight Internet will allow our customers to make the most of their flying time by catching up on work or relaxing and surfing the Internet,” said Andrew Nocella, senior vice president of marketing and planning. “This is an exciting new option for our passengers that we believe will enhance their travel experience.”

The service initially will be installed on select domestic flights on US Airways A321 aircraft. Later next year, customers can ascertain if Wi-Fi is available on a specific flight by looking for the Wi-Fi icon while booking their flight on usairways.com.

Aircell, a marketer of airborne communications, has operations in Broomfield, Colo., and Itasca, Ill.
US Airways (NYSE: LCC), based in Tempe, Ariz., operates more than 3,200 flights daily to about 200 destinations.

Sources:
bizjournals.com
idology.files.wordpress.com