T-Mobile USA launched a fixed mobile convergence (FMC) service that enables mobile subscribers equipped with a Wi-Fi-enabled handset to use their home broadband connection or Wi-Fi hotspot for unlimited domestic calling. The deployment is based on Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), an access technology that allows a seamless handoff of mobile voice and data from a wide area cellular network to a wireless local area network (WLAN).
T-Mobile HotSpot@Home enables calls to seamlessly transfer from T-Mobile’s GSM/GPRS/EDGE wireless network whenever an authorized Wi-Fi hotspot is in range. While at home, customers benefit from a strong wireless signal and unlimited domestic calling over the Wi-Fi connection; while mobile, customers also can get the same benefits at all the nearly 8,500 T-Mobile HotSpot locations across the U.S.
Key components of the T-Mobile HotSpot@Home service include new mobile phones — the Samsung t409 and the Nokia 6086. Each phone currently retails for $49.99 with a two-year contract on a qualifying rate plan. Battery life for each of the phones is rated at over 4 hours of talk time.
T-Mobile also has partnered with D-Link and Linksys to offer free Wi-Fi routers optimized for the service.
As part of its launch promotion, the T-Mobile HotSpot@Home service can be added to any qualifying T-Mobile voice plan for $9.99 per month for a single line, and $19.99 per month for up to five lines on a FamilyTime plan.
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- Kineto Wireless is supplying its Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) client software for the Samsung handset used for T-Mobile service.
