Lucent wins Italy FMC contract

Vodafone Italy is launching an odd twist on a home fixed/mobile convergence service using Lucent Technologies’ intelligent network and billing software. Instead of using a WLAN connection to offload mobile traffic onto the wireline network, Vodafone is offering lower rates for mobile calls originating from a “HomeZone,” allowing customers to take advantage of landline pricing without switching between networks.

The wireline replacement project is known as Vodafone Casa, and utilizes Lucent’s SurePay real-time rating and charging platform to identify where a customer is placing a phone call to bill accordingly. The concept turns the idea of fixed/mobile convergence on its ear as it doesn’t actually use the wireline network, but emulates a service plan that would use the wireline network. From Vodafone’s perspective, the approach is way to enter the wireline market without the heavy investment in a separate infrastructure.

“Vodafone Casa is a way to respond swiftly to the competitive market through simple and innovative propositions to the customer,” Vodafone Italy chief technology officer Didier Lebrat said in a statement. “The new voice offer will allow Vodafone to play in the fixed operator playground while maintaining the convenience of a unique ‘handset’/number.”

The customer identifies a home zone, from which the Lucent platform will track all activity. Calls made within the zone would be billed as ‘home’ calls, while those made outside the zone would receive normal mobile charges.