Always-on access means the model of charging based on time of usage no longer applies. Carriers not only will have to adjust their business practices, but they will have to educate customers so they will accept new ways of paying for service. People Get Ready Carriers should be preparing now for next-generation networks by behaving as though convergence was already a reality. Those that provide multiple services should provide a similar look and feel across wireless, wireline and data services. Customers should have similar experiences with sales, billing and customer service no matter which kinds of services they use.
Carriers also can implement and make available existing technology to begin convergence.
By making multi-mode phones available to customers who need global roaming and by developing international roaming agreements, carriers can help build a subscriber base for 3G s global roaming capabilities. When developing new services, carriers need to keep convergence in mind and find ways to implement those services so they can be used in a variety of networks. True 3G will reach its full promise of capability within a couple of years and, by planning now, carriers will be prepared to face a new reality of telecommunications though evolution rather than a revolution. Those caught unprepared may be left behind in the move to the future. Ericsson Inc. He develops strategies for Ericsson's wireless and wireline activities and for using strategic alliances and external technology provisioning to enhance the company's business solutions.