Handover dogs dual-mode phones

For the moment, fixed-mobile convergence strategies must rest on proprietary technology

GSM/Wi-Fi phones may drop calls

Support for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) in enterprise communications is advancing, with handset makers pledging more dual-mode handsets integrating Wi-Fi and GSM chips. But experts warn that efficient call handover between Wi-Fi access points (APs) is still not assured.

Residential FMC systems such as BT Fusion are already available, but these tie users into a single AP and do not deliver the sort of indoor roaming that enterprise users would need.

“The Wi-Fi to GSM connection works, but handing a call from one internal Wi-Fi or Bluetooth base station to another in a large enterprise environment doesn’t,” said Carrie Pawsey, senior analyst at research firm Ovum. “The call is dropped and [must be] reconnected.”

A significant problem is the lack of a defined FMC standard, with major vendors such as Cisco promoting their own proprietary systems.

Motorola is now testing dual-mode handsets based on Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) technology, which is supported by a number of vendors. But the need for ongoing industry consultation and interoperability testing means any agreed standard is likely to be a long time coming.

In the meantime, Nokia has promised that all its future business smartphones will integrate Wi-Fi connectivity.

“All enterprise devices will be wireless LAN equipped on both Series 60 and Series 80 handsets,” said Jarkko Sairanen, vice-president for strategy and planning at Nokia Technology Platforms.