Orange provides convergence technology for home and mobile

In a further move to mobile network operators entering the home, Orange have announced that they will be allowing customers to use ther mobiles over wi-fi broadband. Following on the heels of BT Fusion, which plans to connect customers to broadband via Bluetooth, this technology looks set to bear the acronym UMA (Unlicense Mobile Access), which lends it a slightly rebellious air. Whether or not mobile networks can successfully and satisfactorily link people up at home and on the move, is still an issue, especially since this switch from operator to broadband can only happen with the right handset: the Motorola A910, Nokia 6136 and the Samsung P200. If all goes well the switch should be seamless and the benefits to consumers will be cheaper calls on the move(hopefully on one bill), hopefully greater bandwidth to provide mobile services in the home, as well as the fact that one number will serve as your landline and mobile number. The larger benefits ar likely to be seen for SMEs who can provide a single communication solution to remain connected whenever and wherever they are.