Verizon products merge wireless, wireline services

The fixed-mobile convergence market took a step forward with Verizon Communications Inc.’s introduction of its Wireless Office, PBX Mobile Extension and Mobile Conference Connection products, which the company said will help traveling professionals merge their wireless and wireline communications. Verizon made its announcement at the NXTcomm trade show in Chicago.
Verizon’s new services include features such as a “single phone number that will simultaneously ring to an office, home and cellphone, a unified mailbox that consolidates voicemail from multiple devices, and instant conference calls that can be organized and initiated with just a few clicks” on any Research In Motion Ltd. BlackBerry or Microsoft Corp. Windows Mobile-powered smartphone.
“Now more than ever, busy professionals are demanding new tools to help stay on top of their business, both in and out of the office,” said John Stratton, executive VP and chief marketing officer for Verizon. “By bridging its world-class wired and wireless networks, Verizon is helping to enhance mobility and productivity in today’s fast-paced, mobile work environment.”
The company said the services are now available to U.S. businesses.
Verizon’s move comes as the rest of the nation’s major carriers are working to combine wireless and wireline services. Indeed, AT&T Inc. has combined wireless and wireline calling plans, while T-Mobile US Inc. has long been working on a cellular/Wi-Fi service.