Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) is a key part of the future of communications, according to the terminal division of telecoms network provider Huawei.

Huawei Communications has been spun off as a wholly-owned subsidiary to focus on end-user devices including handsets, mobile broadband dongles, network gateways, and even IPTV and video conferencing kit. These end-user devices are distributed with the operators' brands and carry little or no Huawei branding.

"Our success relies, even in these difficult economic times, on our unique business model," said James Chen, director of Huawei's terminal marketing department.

"This model can be summed up in three words: partnership, customisation and value. FMC helps drive all of these tenets."

Leading the company's FMC initiatives is the new HG553 VoIP home gateway, currently available through Vodafone.

The device combines a standard ADSL2+ Wi-Fi-enabled four port router with a pair of phone sockets for VoIP calling and a dockable USB mobile broadband dongle, giving the user a backup option of 3G data should the fixed-line service fail. Being removable means that the owner can take the mobile broadband service with them when necessary.

As well as technological convergence Huawei is designing its routers to be more appealing to consumers, thereby helping its operator partners to "take the gateway from under the table to on top of the table".