Samsung has this week launched what it claims to be the world’s first Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) wi-fi handset – the SGH-P200 – in Italy.

The device makes use of Kineto software and Philips’ Nexperia cellular system solution 6120 for UMA, allowing consumers to roam and switch seamlessly between fixed and mobile services.

The P200 is understood to be the main device being used by Telecom Italia Mobile in its UMA deployment in Italy.

“Consumers are looking to fixed-mobile convergence to reduce phone bills and Samsung has invested huge R&D resources to meet consumer demand,” said Kwangsuk Hyun, senior vice president, overseas alliance group, Samsung Electronics.

Gartner analyst and research director John Mazur added: “The individual users who stand to benefit most from fixed-mobile convergence are those who are both consumers and business persons.

“These individuals would embrace a single converged device that removes the present clutter associated with multiple devices, also ensuring their employers improved productivity.”