GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is the technology used by
most mobile/cell phone operators and over 80% of the worlds mobile
phones use GSM technology. GSM Gateways or Fixed Cellular Terminals are
effectively mobile/cell phones connected directly to your office telephone
system. Using these devices, calls from the office system are diverted
to the gateway/FCT converting your landline to mobile/cell calls to mobile to mobile call. In many countries
mobile/cell operators offer call rates that provide much lower cost for calling
mobiles to mobiles compared to landlines to mobiles/cell phones. In these countries there can be major benefits in
deploying GSM gateways and the payback period for such devices
can be as low as 3 months.
As an example, in the UK calling mobile phones from a normal landline
can cost between 9p/minute and 15p/minutes depending on network. The
major networks sell both cross network and own network tariffs from as
low as 4p/minute, giving potential saving in excess of 50% of the cost
of calling mobile/cell phones from your office landline.
GSM gateways range from single SIM versions up to 128 SIMS and
beyond bringing the benefits of a GSM gateway to even the smallest of
business cutomers. Coupled with EWC's low calling costs, implementing a
GSM gateway can slash your office telephone costs even further.
To start making major saving on calling mobiles/cell phones
from your offices contact us today on
sales@ewcoms.com
or call
+44 (0)203 135 0145
+61 (0) 280 147185
In countries such as the USA, where the cost of
calling a cell phone is lower as there is a cost for receiving a call, GSM gateways provide
minimal benefits.
EWC supplies both VoIP enabled GSM Gateways/FCT's and standalone devices
that connect directly to your office telephone system. VoIP GSM
Gateways or Fixed Cellular Terminals allow a business to connect
all their locations, including international sites, to the device maximising the savings to
the business. When integrated with the EWC VoIP solutions this provides
a powerful telecommunications system ensuring your business has the most
cost effective solution to its worldwide voice communications needs.
GSM Gateways or Fixed Cellular Terminals come in any size from 1 SIM upwards. 1
or 2 SIM SIM devices are
suitable for small businesses where a large proportion of their traffic
is to mobile phones. These smaller devices are commonly known as Fixed
Cellular Terminals or under brand names such as Primacell. FCT's
can be either standalone, connected to analogue office telephones or to
ISDN circuits as appropriate.
In many countries, EWC is able to offer these devices with SIMS to optimise your
business communications. By combining the Fixed Cellular Terminal with
your business mobile contract we can offer even greater savings, often
including a subsidy on the cost of the FCT. Call us today on 0870 334
0289 to find out how we can help your business reduce the cost of its
mobile bills and reduce the cost of calling mobiles.
For larger business, with multiple locations, or high volumes of calls
to mobiles/cell phones a more sophisticated GSM gateway may be required. The
three key elements of a GSM Gateway are SIM management; number
portability and VoIP capabilities:
SIM Management –
When acquiring SIMS for use in a GSM gateway you can either use cross
network or single network SIMS. Cross network provides more flexibility
but your SIM Manager needs to ensure that you do not exceed the
contracted number of minutes since this generally results in exorbitant
additional charges
Number Portability–
Network specific SIM cards normally
provide cheaper call
charges provided you can guarantee the traffic is going across the
network the destination mobile is currently contracted to. Wit number
portability in many countries it is no longer possible to determine the
network from the number being phoned. A number of database exist that
enable you to confirm the current network. Without such a database, it
is probable that a significant number of cross network calls will be
made giving rise to potentially high additional charges
VoIP -
VoIP is critical when your business has multiple
locations, enabling you to connect all locations to a central GSM
gateway and providing maximum benefit from the GSM gateway.
EWC can support your business in the implementation of the optimum GSM
Gateway. As a reseller of
Quescomm GSM gateways we are able to fully integrate these gateways into
your VoIP solution. In addition, EWC can provide a hosted GSM gateway
solution, either as part of a hosted IP-PBX service, in combination with
an EWC VoIP gateway solution or on a stand alone basis.
The regulatory situation in some countries prevents the resale of GSM
minutes without a licence or the express agreement of the mobile
operator. In most countries it is allowable for companies to use their
own SIMS to carry their company traffic through GSM gateways. In an EWC
hosted environment, SIMS are contracted to the customer who pays the GSM
mobile operator directly. A monthly hosting fee is paid to EWC to cover
the management, rental and hosting of the GSM gateways.
For more information regarding GSM Gateways and Fixed Cellular Terminals and how they can assist your
business in reducing your telephone costs contact EWC at
sales@ewcoms.com
or call us on +44 (0) 20 3135 0145 or +61 (0)280 147185
