In today’s fast-paced world, seamless and efficient communication has become a necessity for individuals and businesses alike. As technology continues to advance, one concept that has gained significant traction is Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC). A transformative approach, given how mobile-first many businesses are today, FMC is a communications solution that allows people to use a single phone when moving between home, office or any location, without interruption to the ongoing call.
But the real power of FMC is when it is combined with mobile Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). Mobile UCaaS can turn anyone’s cell phone into a business phone, without compromising their personal phone number. Together, mobile UCaaS and FMC provide users with unprecedented flexibility, enhanced connectivity, and convenience – and can help businesses drive better outcomes.
With a UCaaS solution, individuals have access to a wide array of features, such as messaging, video meetings, phone, and file sharing. Because FMC enables the convergence of services such as these, users have a seamless experience across different devices. Users can also choose their preferred communication network depending on their circumstances, without sacrificing communication quality.
From a business standpoint, one of the most compelling advantages of FMC is the potential for cost savings. By integrating fixed and mobile networks, businesses can reduce their expenses on multiple phone lines and devices. FMC allows for the consolidation of services, eliminating the need for separate landline and mobile contracts. This not only reduces subscription costs but also simplifies billing processes and lowers maintenance expenses. Similarly, one of the most compelling advantages for individuals is seamless handover and roaming capabilities. By starting a call or transferring ongoing conversations between fixed and mobile networks without any interruption, users can be more productive.
These benefits are only enhanced when FMC is utilized in tandem with a UCaaS solution. For businesses, those benefits include:
- A single bill for all of their business communications: fixed, mobile, and UCaaS
- Unified voicemail and directory services for fixed and mobile users
- Minimized IT headaches due to a reduction in the number of communication management systems
- Presence integration
- Single Portal for administration
For workers in their day-to-day roles, those benefits include the ability to:
- Work from anywhere
- Protect private information with a single business identity – no need to use personal cell numbers when out of the office
- Ensure no call goes unanswered with cloud-based communication
- Save time and energy with functionality like advanced call routing, custom announcements, and more
- Add conferencing and collaboration features as needed
RingCentral, together with our Service Providers, leverages the power of wireless 5G and fixed connections to enable advanced business communications. For example, with access to RingCentral’s leading mobile applications, powered by Vodafone’s award-winning mobile network, the Vodafone Business UC (VBUC) platform now provides an intuitive, unified experience that lets users make calls, send messages, and launch HD quality video meetings. All these benefits are seamless and effectively turn an iOS or Android mobile device into a full extension of an office – whether working remotely or on the go. Plus, following the application of a Unified Directory system, it is now easier to connect and collaborate with colleagues across organizations – including those who do not have a VBUC license.
FMC represents a paradigm shift in communication, offering numerous benefits for individuals and businesses alike. FMC delivers scalability and future-readiness by providing a foundation for integrating new technologies, empowering organizations to adapt to evolving technologies. With FMC and UCaaS together, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and leverage the latest advancements to optimize their operations.
Ultimately, FMC is reshaping how we communicate, collaborate, and conduct business in a connected world.
To learn more about our partners or about becoming a partner, check out our Global Service Providers program, RingCentral RISE.
Originally published Jun 29, 2023, updated Jul 07, 2023