Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) is trialling IP based services such as Push to Talk and voice over IP over an IP Multimediasubsystem (IMS) in a joint project with Nokia.
Converged services run from a single platform are thought of by telcos with both fixed and mobile operations as providing a good opportunity to operate more efficiently.
The trial phase of the service convergence project has been initiated, with the first deliveries and implementation of key enablers such as multi-radio terminals. The Nokia 9500 Communicator, which uses both GSM/EDGE and WLAN access technologies, is being used in the cooperation project. The trial phase of will be completed during the first quarter of 2005, and will be followed in later in the year by commercial deployment by Telecom Italia of selected solutions and services for the Italian market.
“At Nokia, we believe that convergence allows the creation of an exciting new phase for our industry, allowing people to experience a new level of communications and benefit from seamless services — on the move, in the office and at home,” said Pertti Korhonen, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia.Â
“We therefore welcome the co-operation with innovative industry players, like Telecom Italia, that are taking decisive steps in shaping the future of converging multimedia communications.”