BT unveil dual use phone scheme
Telecoms group BT today announced plans to launch the first phone service to allow users to use mobile and fixed line networks with a single handset.
The group has teamed up with mobile operator Vodafone to launch Project Bluephone, which will enable customers to switch between mobile and landline services using the same phone.
After an access point is installed at home or in their office, mobile phone users will be able to take advantage of cheaper calls and better reception when their mobile automatically tunes into the fixed line network.
When they move out of range of the fixed line service, their handsets will switch to the Vodafone mobile network – offering users a seamless transition between the two.
Customers will also be able to use the high-speed broadband link on their mobile phones by again tuning into the landline service.
Ryan Jarvis, BT’s chief of mobile products and partners, said the service would offer customers the best of both worlds.
“Customers often prefer to use their mobiles. They like the convenience of them and having things like their address book to hand,” he said.
“They make calls on them when they’re at home sitting next to their landline, even though it’s more expensive.
“With this service, they can make calls with their mobiles at home or in the office, but enjoy cheaper landline charges, better reception and just one single bill.
“With this service, you’re only ever going to need one handset.”
BT, which will offer the service to its broadband customers later this year, hopes to generate around £1bn (€1.47bn) of annual mobility and convergence revenues in the next five years.
The group believes it can boost profits by connecting mobile phone users back to the landline network with the service.
Vodafone, meanwhile, will benefit under the scheme from the landline customers who tune into their mobile phone network.
Vodafone UK chief executive Bill Morrow said: “This deal has huge attractions for both organisations.
“As the mobile partner in BT’s convergence strategy, this enables Vodafone UK to maximise its network and service assets while generating additional revenue from a new source.
“However, Vodafone UK remains fully committed to a mobile strategy and is happy to share the success of mobile communications.”
BT also worked with mobile phone operators Alcatel, Ericsson and Motorola in developing the fixed line aspect of the technology.
The group said the project had undergone successful trials with 50 users over the last two months and said the technology was “proven.”
Customers will have to get their mobile phones upgraded to receive the signals which allow the handset to tune into the landline.
Charges for installing the access point and for subscribing to the new service will be revealed later this year.
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