Why Fixed-Mobile Convergence Is Back in Focus
FMC or fixed-mobile convergence is a term we use to explain the integration between fixed infrastructure and mobile communication networks. Through FMC integration, we can access multimedia services, as well as voice and data transmission. Telecommunications companies benefit from this technology, as it enables them to offer a more comprehensive experience to users.
The reason why operators are turning to fixed-mobile convergence FMC in 2025 is due to the fact that users' behavior has changed drastically in recent years. Instead of traditional networks, people are looking for hybrid solutions for their daily business communications.
With the development of technologies such as Wi-Fi 6E/7, 5G standalone, and multi-access edge computing, adopting FMC has never been easier or more profitable. FMC allows users unified communications for remote and hybrid work, thus optimizing resources for operators. Telcos are able to streamline enterprise communications, allowing access to both fixed and mobile devices.
As one of the biggest global providers of core network solutions, Titan.ium is well-suited to support fixed-mobile convergence.
What Is Fixed-Mobile Convergence in Telecom?
FMC technology effectively integrates mobile (cellular networks and services) and fixed (broadband networks and services) technology. As a result, operators can introduce a wider variety of telecommunication services to both private and business users, regardless of whether they use a fixed line or a mobile phone.
The technology allows operators to achieve several business objectives, ensuring uninterrupted sessions for their users. They can easily charge clients through a unified system, which not only simplifies billing but also allows the creation of combo packages. The last advantage is the centralization of user data into a single source.
Back in the day, fixed and mobile networks worked separately, relying on different silo infrastructure. However, as more users demand simplified access across cell phones and fixed devices, this model is no longer effective. Combining fixed and mobile technology also reduces operational costs for operators, ensuring they stay competitive in the market.
Why Telcos Are Prioritizing Convergence in 2025 and Beyond
There are several reasons why operators have started prioritizing seamless connectivity in 2025 and beyond:
- Market Pressure: In the last few years, many operators have seen their revenues stagnate and even plummet. This is partially caused by increased competition from OTTs, like WhatsApp and Netflix, which circumvent the regular telecom revenue streams.
- Need to Reduce CapEx/OpEx: By consolidating fixed and wireless networks, businesses are able to minimize infrastructural costs. Through optimized use of company resources, telcos can now achieve much higher profits.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Whether they're using smartphones, desk phones, or a different technology, customers are looking for seamless access without interruption. They want to have the same experience whether they're connecting to the internet through their own device or a company computer.
- Regulatory Pressure: More and more governments are in favor of FMCs as the technology allows a better user experience and a fair market. Furthermore, they see value in modernizing the traditional mobile and fixed networks.
- Future-Proofing for AI: Unified communication sets the table for future technologies. As more and software relies on AI to deliver premium service, telcos have to update their workflows to enable artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.
Challenges in Achieving Fixed-Mobile Convergence
Although profitable, achieving fixed-mobile convergence is much harder than it might seem:
- Disparate Subscriber Data Systems: Broadband and mobile networks use different systems for handling user data. As a result, integrating AAA and HLR/HSS technology often creates a new set of problems.
- Siloed Policy and Charging Functions: Many companies use different charging functions and policies for their fixed and mobile networks. This commonly leads to issues with billing and app/service management.
- Vendor Lock-In: Older networks often struggle with vendor lock-ins, restricting the adoption of new technology
- Complexity of Multi-Protocol Interworking: Operators must find ways to handle different protocols, such as MPLs and IP, which makes the transition that much harder.
- Security Considerations: Given that we're talking about two completely different systems, operators often struggle to create a new network without compromising security. Transitioning from one network to another opens numerous vulnerabilities, while also affecting session continuity.
The Role of Titan.ium Platform in Enabling Converged Networks
Titan.ium platform makes it much easier to complete fixed-mobile convergence:
- Modular Signaling: The best thing about Titan.ium platform is that it's a highly flexible solution that supports different generations of mobile communication, fixed broadband signaling, and VoLTE.
- Universal Data Layer: Our product relies on the universal data layer as a single source of truth. The unified data repository maintains subscriber information, ensuring much easier scaling regardless of the communication tools people use.
- Interworking and Mediation: The flexible solution supports various protocols, including Diameter, 5G SBA, SS7, SIP, and HTTP/2. As a result, it enables users to enjoy smoother communication across different systems and devices.
- Routing and Policy Intelligence: Titan.ium is able to improve user experience and service delivery by quickly adapting to the requirements of both mobile and fixed networks. The platform simplifies policy and routing during private and business calls.
- Deployment Flexibility: Another major advantage of our solution is that it quickly adapts to different environments. Whether you're using a cloud-native, edge, or hybrid setup, the platform can provide the highest-quality service.
How Subscriber Data Management Powers FMC
Effective subscriber data management is essential for ensuring easier convergence. Here's how your new network can benefit from having a more reliable data solution:
- Unified Identity Management: Subscriber data management is able to centralize session context and subscriber identities. This ensures service continuity and simplifies subscriber management during the transition.
- Support for Data Frameworks: Our platform can handle various subscriber data management frameworks, including UDM (unified data management), HSS (home subscriber server, UDR (unified data repository), and hybrid subscriber data stores
- Enabling Seamless Transitions: As a solution that works well with any generation of mobile infrastructure, from 5G to Wi-Fi networks, Titan.ium provides a unified subscriber view without errors or interruptions.
- Improves Network Efficiency: Our product is able to minimize signaling overhead and duplication, resulting in enhanced resource allocation and faster responses.
Use Case: Delivering Seamless Experiences with Converged Policy and Routing
Imagine a user called John, who is a part of the mobile workforce. As someone who often works remotely, he has to transition from a home video call on his cell phone to 5G in a local mall. As he leaves his home, he stays on the call without dropping the session.
Titan.ium is vital for this process as it detects access type change. It routes the signaling so there's no interruption. Another thing worth noting is that the same policy is used throughout the business communication, ensuring the highest network security for John's device. Our solution also ensures subscriber prioritization by analyzing factors such as the access type, SLA, and mobile device users.
In this particular case, our platform made sure that John gets the optimal experience while using his mobile phone.
Convergence and the Future of Telco Cloud-Native Operations
FMC is vital for future networks, especially those that rely on cloud technology. The important thing about fixed-mobile convergence is that it supports full automation and service chaining, allowing operators to better utilize their resources at the edge.
It capitalizes on the zero-touch automation technology, which significantly reduces human input across the board. By integrating signaling and control functions, our platform can reduce latency while boosting performance. This is especially important for machines and situations that require instant responses, such as industrial and agricultural equipment, autonomous vehicles, and video conferencing.
By relying on FMC technology, telecommunications operators are able to introduce a new line of real-time applications, including URLLC (ultra-reliable low latency communications) and XR (extended reality).
Key Takeaways for Telcos in 2025 and Beyond
Using fixed-mobile convergence is no longer a choice for operators. To stay in the business, operators must unify their networks, setting the basis for future devices. However, to use this technology, they must overcome numerous challenges, such as routing, unified signaling, and subscriber management.
This is where Titan.ium platform comes into play. As a highly flexible solution that works for different types of networks and protocols, it allows seamless transition and mobility between networks and devices. By investing in FMC integration, your businesses can introduce new services and diversify revenues, all while staying compliant.
Explore How Titan.ium Can Power Your FMC Strategy
The meteoric rise of FMC means that operators must introduce solutions such as Titan.ium into their workflows. To learn more about our product, we encourage you to explore its data management and signaling features.
If you are interested in a demo or would like to discuss strategy, please contact the Titan.ium team today.