Comments on: Can MVNOs help FMC Succeed?

By: Noah Bloom

Noah Bloom — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:38:15 +0000

Mike at Techdirt seemed to grasp the failure of a content MVNO ESPN mobile (http://news.techdirt.com/news/wireless/article/6901): “the key reason people buy mobile phone service is to communicate, not to get sports info.” So instead of focusing on the content MVNO, what about the MVNO that is improving how people can communicate in ways that carriers are still lagging, for example those that are deploying better FMC and roaming services. These are two critical areas in which consumers are still not offered what is technologically possible, and it will probably be innovative MVNOs leading the charge. The convergence MVNO can deliver a seamless user experience over WiFi and GSM, maybe even linking their existing VoIP business with an MVNO play, bridging IP-PBX to mobile devices, etc. or a better roaming solution (especially Europe), with multiple agreements, virtual numbers, and cheaper roaming.

By: Mari

Mari — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 23:19:16 +0000

Two things worth mentioning. First, cellular carriers do get the benefit from FMC of being able to offload traffic from subscribers who are using all-you-can-eat price plans already.

Second, cellular carriers without wireline networks (i.e. T-Mobile and MVNOs in the US) get the benefit of being able to offer home phone service with FMC, whether or not they choose to implement features like seamless call transfer between networks. More on that topic from Motorola’s perspective here: http://connectedhome2go.com/2007/04/09/why-wireless-carriers-like-convergence/

By: fo.unta.in

fo.unta.in — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:32:48 +0000

I doubt if this will be of any use. VoIP call qualities are far from acceptable for any important communication, and these days most official communication is critical. So ppl are going to look at this, and say oh i can spend 15 more bucks and get cellfone quality let me go for it.

that leaves us with the myspace crowd. but when did they worry about bills anyway?

By: Ol' Yeller

Ol' Yeller — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:08:09 +0000

The US carriers have done everything possible to delay and block the entry of dual-mode devices. They will say they’re interested, studying, trialing, etc., but in the end nothing happens and it’s because they don’t WANT anything to happen! Their voice ARPU is already under massive pressure, and once FMC catches the price floor will free-fall towards zero.

By: Jesse Kopelman

Jesse Kopelman — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:29:56 +0000

MVNO + FMC is a natural fit. The problem is that FMC is device driven. Right now there is good GSM+FMC device availability, but the big name MVNO players are all CDMA! Whoops . . . I agree with Allan that the big question is whether the MVNO can hold on long enough for the devices they need to become available. Of course, this may end up being a USA only issue. European MVNO which all use GSM have no excuse for not going FMC ASAP.

By: Cory

Cory — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:19:41 +0000

It's not really a question of "Will FMC succeed?", but rather "When will FMC succeed?"

It is the natural evolution of current communications technology, and could be easily applied to wireless data protocols other than traditional 802.11X.

In my estimation, it is not a lack of proven technology and practical know how that has prevented FMC from grabbing hold, but rather the horsetrading amongst network provider encumbents that stalls the adoption of FMC.