AT&T and Cisco Collaborate for Mobile-First Unified Communications

In an era where our mobile phones have become extensions of ourselves, seamlessly integrated into every facet of our personal and professional lives, it can seem surprising that the corporate world has been slow to fully embrace mobile-centric work models (and that the communications experience can remain siloed).

With smartphone penetration in the U.S. estimated at 86% (Statista 2022) and over half of employees equipped with a mobile device, the stage is set for a transformative shift in workplace communication.

That’s why two industry giants, AT&T and 思科 have worked together towards a groundbreaking collaboration: AT&T Cloud Voice with WebEx Go. This solution promises to redefine the hybrid workplace through a mobile-first approach to unified communications (UC).? In this piece I dive deep into all the detail and ‘the why’ behind its importance and you can also find out more in a new podcast special with the brilliant Doug Jones AVP, Product Management Collaboration at AT&T just launched today! - see ??https://bit.ly/FutureofWorkToday ???

The need for mobile-first workplace UC

The work landscape underwent a seismic shift in recent years, with remote work transitioning from a temporary solution to a permanent fixture. By 2025, an estimated 32.6 million Americans are expected to work remotely, underscoring the need for robust, mobile-centric work solutions.

Despite this trend, many businesses lag in adopting a mobile-first approach, often due to concerns over security, integration complexities, compliance issues and a sheer lack of good solutions that maintain a consistent user experience across devices. Yes, users can collaborate seamlessly on various platforms but something as simple as a phone call can interrupt this process, injecting a separate digital identity that’s not integrated with other collaboration tools.

Addressing this gap, AT&T and Cisco have forged a partnership to deliver a truly mobile-centric collaboration experience. This alliance is not just about enhancing mobile connectivity; it's a reimagining of how mobile devices can be the central hub for professional communication.

?

AT&T and Cisco

AT&T and Cisco's collaboration integrates AT&T's robust mobile network with Cisco Webex Calling. Now, users can make Webex calls directly from their AT&T mobile devices using the native dialer, without needing any special apps or subscribing to new features.

The integration draws on key Webex features, including call recording and compliance capabilities, which are now extended to the mobile device, turning that device into a Webex endpoint. Corporate-liable AT&T phone plans can now seamlessly integrate with Webex Calling plans, where Webex users get a unified identity based on their AT&T mobile phone number.

At the heart of this integration lies a fusion of Cisco's Webex Go with AT&T’s IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). This combination enables Webex Calling users to have a single AT&T phone number that works across various devices: mobile, Webex desk phones, and Webex apps on PC and tablet.

Calls made from the mobile phone’s native dialer will now traverse AT&T’s advanced VoLTE or 5G mobile network, offering broader geographic availability and HD audio quality. This integration also brings all mobile phone calls under the umbrella of an organization’s compliance policies as established in Webex Control Hub, including features like call recording and analytics.

Furthermore, AT&T is enhancing Webex performance on its network by prioritizing Webex data and video media. This "fast track" capability, along with a direct interconnect between AT&T’s and Cisco’s networks, ensures superior performance of Webex meetings and video streaming on AT&T mobile devices.

And critically, cybersecurity considerations are embedded by design through this collaboration too – indeed AT&T and Cisco were among 11 technology companies leading the way to form the Network Resilience Coalition ahead of EU legislation to increase the security of software and hardware updates and improve the mitigation of cyber risks in their networks. Alongside new ways of working and connecting, new ways of protecting are critical too – especially as security threats continue to diversify and escalate in scope, scale and sophistication.

With challenges such as gaps, duplication and overlaps in controls and tools, variance in cybersecurity policy enforcement across sites and users, and issues authenticating users and their devices too – the result can be incomplete and inconsistent protection. On this specifically, I also highly recommend exploring AT&T SASE with Cisco - a single cloud-delivered platform shaped around the way you work. And in terms of our main focus here, AT&T and Cisco's collaboration to integrate AT&T's robust mobile network with Cisco Webex Calling you can always enjoy a secure and private connection between the AT&T network and Webex servers – no matter the location or the device being used.

What does this mean for remote teams?

With a simple and cost-effective onboarding process without additional monthly fees, the AT&T and Cisco collaboration is a game-changer offering a seamless, secure, and efficient communication experience for businesses.

It matches the usability and compliance capabilities of traditional office setups with desk phones that have robust call recording and compliance features, simply by extending Webex's built-in features or those available through the Webex ecosystem to mobile devices.

Companies no longer face the risk of important calls made on mobile devices going unrecorded and falling out of compliance: mobile phones are now Webex endpoints. And, by eliminating redundant PSTN numbers, calling plans, and duplicate devices, businesses can significantly cut down on communication expenses.

This solution empowers employees to work effectively from any location, offering flexibility while controlling costs. The consolidation of administration tools simplifies the management of both wireline and wireless telephone numbers, reducing the administrative burden.

It’s a particularly timely collaboration, considering the lessons learned during the pandemic about employee preferences for flexibility and mobility.

Real-world applications – and real-world inclusivity

The AT&T and Cisco collaboration is especially beneficial for those in environments where compliance, professionalism, and inclusivity are key objectives.

Take the banking and finance sector, for instance, which stands to benefit significantly from this collaboration. With strict compliance and call recording requirements, the integration of mobile devices into the secure and compliant Cisco Webex environment closes a critical gap.

Field services is another area where this solution shines, enabling field technicians to communicate with customers using business numbers and IDs, providing a more professional experience.

Beyond operational efficiency, this collaboration also advances inclusion and accessibility in the workplace. Features like real-time translation supported by Cisco and prioritized on the AT&T network break down language barriers, fostering a more inclusive environment.

This is a breakthrough feature for global organizations where language diversity can be a challenge. It addresses the importance of allowing all voices to be heard, which is crucial from both an operational and financial perspective, as well as for accessibility and inclusion.

Easy onramp to a communications revolution

It’s easy for organisations to get started with an integrated AT&T and Webex experience. A Webex subscription is mandatory, but the good news is that a Webex license already includes access to new capabilities without the need for additional purchases. The new features are part of the standard Webex subscription.

Similarly, on the AT&T end the process is streamlined. There’s no need to pay for extra features, contracts, nor any billing complexities. Enhancements have been made to the AT&T wireless network to simplify integration. From the user’s end all they need is an AT&T mobile device.

The net result is minimal additional costs and contractual obligations. Users can simply use their existing Webex accounts and mobile phones.

This collaboration is set to redefine the hybrid workplace, offering a glimpse into a future where mobile-first unified communications are the norm, not the exception. As we look towards this future, it's clear that the AT&T-Cisco alliance is not just keeping pace with the evolving workplace but is actively shaping its trajectory.

Looking ahead, the partnership between AT&T and Cisco is poised to continually evolve, bringing new features and capabilities to the forefront. The initial launch is already feature-rich, but the roadmap for 2024 and beyond promises further enhancements, ensuring that businesses have access to the cutting-edge tools they need for their mobile workforce.

And meanwhile, please check out the new podcast with the brilliant Doug Jones AVP, Product Management Collaboration at AT&T to learn more about the benefits of a converged mobility and unified communication solution for hybrid workers, from simplifying collaboration, to improving productivity – and beyond! All the latest here: See ??https://bit.ly/FutureofWorkToday ???

This post was sponsored by AT&T Business, but the opinions are my own and don’t necessarily represent AT&T Business’s positions or strategies.

About the Author

A highly experienced chief technology officer, professor in advanced technologies, and a global strategic advisor on digital transformation, Sally Eaves specialises in the application of emergent technologies, notably AI, 5G, cloud, security, and IoT disciplines, for business and IT transformation, alongside social impact at scale, especially from sustainability and DEI perspectives.

An international keynote speaker and author, Sally was an inaugural recipient of the Frontier Technology and Social Impact award, presented at the United Nations, and has been described as the "torchbearer for ethical tech", founding Aspirational Futures to enhance inclusion, diversity, and belonging in the technology space and beyond. Sally is also the chair for the Global Cyber Trust at GFCYBER.