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IDC Sees Opportunity for CEE Operators in Fixed-Mobile Convergence as Barriers Fall, Markets Mature
Prague
20 Május, 2008
Converged fixed-mobile telecommunications are finding their way to Central and Eastern Europe as the region's markets mature and operators seek competitive differentiation. A recent IDC study concludes that fixed-mobile technologies and business models have undergone extensive trials in other markets and are ready for business here.
“Central and Eastern Europe has lagged behind Western countries in fixed-mobile convergence, which stems from the different stages of development of these markets,” said Andrew Hicks, Senior Analyst, Telecommunications, IDC CEMA. “The advantage is that carriers here can benefit from others' mistakes and successes.”
Converged fixed-mobile services provide communications, information, and/or entertainment services of consistent quality whatever the user's location or device. A user with only one phone number can accept calls in multiple locations – on either a mobile phone or the nearest landline. Fixed-mobile substitution, a competing but related model, uses the mobile phone for all communications, dispensing entirely with the land line.
“It's important for the region's carriers to examine their target customers and decide on their major business needs, since a variety of different technologies fall under this rubric,” says Hicks. “The time to define approaches to fixed-mobile convergence is now, since a potential service offering years in the future can affect infrastructure and strategic planning today.”
IDC’s Fixed-Mobile Convergence Strategies Among Central and Eastern European Operators (IDC #EW08Q) looks at three varieties of fixed-mobile convergence – PBX extensions, femtocells, and handsets that operate on both WiFi and mobile networks – and their applications in Central and Eastern European markets. The study provides a practical definition of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC), identifies business opportunities and promising customer segments in Central and Eastern Europe, and discusses its strengths and weaknesses versus fixed-mobile substitution.
For more information on IDC telecommunications research, please contact John Gole (jgole@idc.com, +420 221 423 202) or Tatiana Hinova (thinova@idc.com, +420 221 423 140).
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IDC Provides Global Research with Local Content
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. For more than 46 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives.
IDC CEMA
To cover Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa, IDC employs over 140 analysts in a coordinated network of offices in 20 countries, with regional research centers in Prague, Moscow, Dubai, and Istanbul. Customers include a wide range of ICT hardware, software, and services suppliers, governments, and members of the financial community.
IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com. |
