As part of the deal, FMC, a service offered exclusively by Cable&Wireless in the UK, will enable Ericsson employees to use their existing mobile phone for all calls – operating as a landline in the office, and roaming on to a mobile network when outside. In-building coverage will also be enhanced to ensure there are no ‘dead spots’ in areas such as basements and lifts.
Cable&Wireless’ FMC solution will also be used to connect Ericsson’s telephony services to its on-site telephone exchange to enable integration with the rest of its voice estate.
The services are being rolled out in the new Ansty Park research and development site, purpose designed for the company’s UK development activities. As a pioneer in mobile technologies, it wanted to create a new, mobile based way of working, and demonstrate the business benefits of using a single device and converged services, whilst enjoying significant phone cost savings.
Ericsson has partnered with Cable&Wireless for a number of years and supplies it with small and low-power GSM base stations which connect directly to a businesses’ existing fixed network and allow for indoor mobile coverage, as part of its FMC solution.
John Cunliffe, Chief Technical Officer, Ericsson UK said: “We needed a solution to provide a step change in operational efficiency through the use of state of the art technology in our flagship site. Cable&Wireless’ Fixed Mobile Convergence estate provided a reliable, cost effective converged solution for both indoor use, and when our colleagues are using their phones away from the office. FMC allows us to be completely mobile centric and allow staff to have just one number, voicemail and bill for all work calls made in and out of the office.”
Jim Marsh, Chief Executive Officer, Cable&Wireless Worldwide added; “We’ve enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Ericsson and are pleased to be providing a next generation fixed and mobile solution at its flagship UK site. This is a great example of the increasing importance of mobility in the workplace and the benefits of true convergence.”