It was a busy week in the Fixed Mobile Convergence (News - Alert) sector. Here are some of the major stories from TMCnet.
IE Market Research Corporation (IEMR) projected that global mobile payment market revenue will increase to $998.5 billion in 2016 at a compound annual growth rate of 83.7 percent. The industry is witnessing a number of coalitions among telecom operators, banks and retailers to offer mobile payment solutions around the world, which is contributing to the growth of the global mobile payment market.
The IEMR usage survey, based on IEMR's Global Consumer Telecommunications Survey that covers 50,000 mobile users in 50 markets globally, found that North American and Western European markets are driving the mobile payment industry and are geared up for the beginning stages of a full-fledged adoption of the digital wallet.
In another story, Socket Mobile, Inc., a provider of portable computing and data collection hardware, has recently introduced a new handheld device, the SoMo 655. It lets mobile professionals collect, document and access mission-critical business data in a wide range of applications.
It was also reported that Vonage (News 
- Alert) has introduced Vonage Mobile, the new iPhone (News - Alert) and Android app, that lets users make free high-definition calls and send free texts to all users of the app, worldwide. The app can be used over Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G wireless data networks and works for non-Vonage customers too.
In another TMCnet story, Ryder System, Inc., which offers transportation and supply chain solutions, has unveiled a new app called Ryder Locator. Currently offered for free, the smartphone application lets customers locate a nearby Ryder truck rental, maintenance, or fueling location in the United States or Canada. Other details are also offered about locations via the app.
And it was reported by TMCnet that Velocent received the 2011 North American Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert) Award for Customer Value Enhancement. The award was given after analysis of the mobile broadband service assurance market. The Velocent OneVu solution can help mobile operators minimize customer churn and reduce the overall cost of customer care.
Ed Silverstein is a TMCnet contributor. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
