Australia - Mobile Communications - FMC, FMS, Termination and Roaming

Synopsis

This report identifies three types of fixed-mobile convergence: service bundling, dual mode services and network convergence. As is revealed, fixed-mobile substitution (FMS) is in the early stages in Australia, with activities limited to service bundling. Consumers of access fixed mobile convergence (FMC) only use a mobile service and have no fixed-line access. FMS users still retain their fixed-line access. Usage FMS has been clearly evident in the Australian communications sector, while access to FMS remains limited. Key developments in these areas are outlined in this report, as well as developments in the mobile termination and mobile pricing areas.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
• 2. Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC)
  • 2.1 Description of FMC
  • 2.2 FMC in Australia limited to service bundling
  • 2.3 Decline of fixed line access
  • 2.4 Impact of new services
  • 2.5 Incentives to converge
• 3. Fixed-mobile substitution (FMS)
  • 3.1 Description of FMS
  • 3.2 Usage FMS is increasing
  • 3.3 Access FMS remains limited
• 4. Mobile Roaming
  • 4.1 Parliamentary Inquiry into International
  • 4.2 BackChat Mobile Roaming Rate Index
  • 4.3 Roaming Voicemail
• 5. National mobile termination fees
  • 5.1 ACCC finalises mobile termination – 2008
  • 5.2 Prices set in 2007
• 6. Related reports

• Table 1 – Year fixed-line access peaked in selected countries
• Table 2 – vRoam’s Annual Roaming index 2007, 2009

• Exhibit 1 – Examples of overseas FMC implementations