Fixed-to-mobile convergence will occur in a number of different stages, with some market sectors more ready to invest immediately than others, according to newly-released research.
The study by IDC found that four vertical markets sectors, namely insurance/finance, education, banking and communications, are expected to have reached more than 60 per cent fixed-to-mobile convergence over the next year, while for other sectors that figure is expected to settle at around 50 per cent IP take-up.
The study also found that 11.1 per cent of companies are planning some form of IP investment in the immediate future, while 10.3 per cent expect to make the same move within the next two years.
"Fixed-to-mobile convergence will happen in multiple stages and the pace of transition will differ considerably from a vertical market perspective," said Nina Bonagura, IDC senior research analyst for European Vertical Markets.
"Indeed, while just over 30 per cent of companies are willing to change their communication services strategy between six to 24 months after fixed-to-mobile converged service availability, specific vertical markets reveal a higher propensity to undergo such investments within this time span."
More than 65 per cent of respondents cited cost factors as the major reason for fixed-to-mobile convergence, while another 45 per cent noted its overall communications benefits.