Patchy mobile phone reception can be a deal breaker. Martin Lyne describes a new solution to the low signal problem taken up by Peters & Peters

The relationship between technology and productivity has long been a focus of debate. Whether it's having access to a faster processor inside a computer, using broadband on the go or simply making sure employees have access to a mobile phone (or smart phone) – the options for enhancing an employee's efficiency while working are almost endless.

When looking at the mobile phone in particular, employees are not only able to make and receive calls, they can also keep up to date with emails on the go and use mobile applications to keep on top of administration work when out of the office.

However, continuous network coverage can be affected by factors outside our control – such as local and physical conditions – so cannot always be guaranteed. Even things like trees or tall buildings can interfere with the mobile signal and while mobile operators are constantly improving their wide network coverage, it is sometimes not possible to ensure complete coverage. For law firms and departments in particular, this can present issues, especially when solicitors are billing clients by the hour.

However, in-building coverage is often the most difficult thing to improve, as building structures and the number of people using mobiles means that traditional solutions are not appropriate. One option to improve patchy coverage within a small office or area is unlicensed mobile access (UMA), which allows users to switch between using a mobile network and a public or private WiFi hotspot to both make and receive calls.

Unlike other technologies available, if the mobile phone is UMA compatible, there is no need to pay or make room for additional equipment as the technology works with any regular home or office broadband through a standard WiFi router. For instance, if making a call via a mobile in an office with low network coverage, there is only a one-off pairing of the UMA-enabled handset and the office WiFi hotspot. After that, the handset automatically switches from using the network to using the selected WiFi hotspot.

For law firms, there can be substantial benefits and cost savings on offer from using UMA technology. For example, when calls switch to using an office's WiFi hotspot, they are included in the customer's talk plan so there are no extra charges from having to use landlines. And when calls do switch between the network and an office WiFi hotspot, there is no latency, dropping of call quality or loss of connection.

Currently, Orange is the only UK operator making use of UMA technology. As it is a free service to those who have a UMA-enabled phone, it means no longer missing out on an important business deal or losing connection in the middle of a conference call.

City-based white-collar crime specialist Peters & Peters has recently started using UMA technology and is already realising the benefits it has to offer. The firm wanted to lower the cost of managing its existing fleet of 50 mobile devices used by its team of solicitors as their main way of keeping in touch. Reducing costs was imperative to the team, as was constant access to emails whether they were in the office, on the move or in areas with reduced network coverage.

The team of solicitors at Peters & Peters were given 50 UMA-enabled handsets to use during their daily roles. Aside from giving them instant access to work emails, calendar information and calls, the technology enables staff to automatically roam between making calls over the Orange network and calls through the company's own wireless network. In short, whichever of the two signals is the strongest, the phone will automatically select and use.

Peters & Peters has seen a significant return on their investment. The firm is now saving £3,000 a month on bills. In fact, the firm projects savings in excess of £72,000 over the next two years. It has also seen instant benefits in terms of service levels and lawyers can rely on secure access to their work emails, calendars and contact information wherever they happen to be.

UMA is a testament to how technology can not just help improve services but also drive substantial savings. However, what organisations may not realise is that they already have most of the technology in place to start using UMA and instantly begin changing the way employees communicate with each other and their customers.

While the UK might be working through the recent difficult economic conditions, for many businesses, 2011 is still seeing cost reductions. Because of the substantial cost savings available to those that use UMA (as well as possible increased productivity levels available), the benefits are there for the taking.

Martin Lyne is director of small and medium business at Orange UK.