* Mobile convergence faces hurdles
The term “convergence” covers many dimensions of networking. Users seek convergence of voice and data applications on a single network and device. They would like this over multiple flavors of wireless networks and between fixed-line networks and mobile networks.
Convergence is facing its challenges in the wireless sector. Several of these were discussed in recent newsletters that explored mismatches between mobile network operators’ acceptable use rules and users’ natural tendency to want to integrate functions.
Another is that devices are tethered to a single operator’s network. This practice throws a wrench into roaming across multiple carriers’ networks – particularly internationally.
At least in the U.S., most carriers will not “unlock” a phone so that it can be used on other nets, where your primary carrier might not have coverage. You can pay a small monthly fee for the right to roam internationally on your carriers’ partner networks, in the case of GSM-based networks from Cingular and T-Mobile, but then your usage charges run well over $1 per minute on top of that. There are stories of black-market vendors who will unlock your phone for use on any carrier’s network that operates using the same wireless technology (check streets, alleys, and transportation stations where you travel). But you can hardly rely on this approach for everyday business.
Verizon says that to roam outside the country, you just call up the carrier and say where you’re going. Verizon says it will then unlock your phone for use on the networks of its roaming partners. According to a company spokeswoman, there are 13 countries where you can take a Verizon Wireless CDMA-based phone (note: none are in Western Europe or Japan).
Verizon also offers dual-mode CDMA/GSM phones and enables GSM roaming on its part-owner’s Vodafone network in Europe. Per-minute usage fees range from $1.29 up to $4.99, depending on the country. Also, the dual-mode phones (made by Samsung and Motorola) tend to be heavy and have a short battery life.
Another mobile convergence barrier is today’s limited support for PBX-extension apps by carriers.
Verizon is sticking only to Qualcomm’s BREW development environment for all its forthcoming cellular applications, while most PBX extension software works only with Java. (One mobile telephony convergence software maker that does support BREW is Orative, a company that has appeared in this newsletter several times.)
If you are a Verizon customer, says Dave Passmore, research director at the Burton Group consultancy “this means you can run only the handful of apps that Verizon runs and chooses to offer you.”
