The issues of convergence phenomenon have been around for decades. However, there has been no single agreed-upon concept or definition of the convergence. As the convergence raised both challenges and opportunities to regulators and communications companies respectively, a convergence framework needs to be clarified in the communications industry.
This study develops a clear and comprehensive framework of the convergence, considering both perspectives of network owners and consumers at the same time. A service-network matrix is developed to describe the convergence phenomenon ; accordingly network convergence and service convergence are respectively illustrated by actual examples. Major drivers of each of the convergences are also described.
The service-network matrix facilitates communications companies to identify new service concepts as well as enabling technologies in the convergence market. A convergence service - broadband Internet access+WLAN service- is exemplified, and operators' optimal strategies are developed using scenario analysis.
