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
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