Singapore
mobile operator MobileOne (M1) has signed an agreement with Nokia for
the supply of a complete end-to-end multimedia messaging (MMS) system
for M1's GSM network.
Nokia will deliver and deploy the system as M1's preferred partner in
MMS. Beyond the supply of network equipment and software, Nokia will
dedicate resources on the ground in Singapore to prepare for M1's MMS
launch.
Under
the agreement, Nokia will supply its Nokia Multimedia Messaging Center
(MMSC), as well as the Nokia Terminal Gateway for non-MMS legacy phones,
and the Nokia Profile and Terminal Management servers. In addition,
Nokia will provide system implementation and integration to maintain
the competitiveness of the MMS solution. Deliveries will begin immediately.
The
Nokia MMS solution gives mobile subscribers with MMS phones the ability
to send and receive text, images, graphics and sound blended into a
single rich message. MMS-capable phones can also send multimedia messages
directly to any e-mail address. And, thanks to the Nokia Terminal Gateway,
Nokia's MMS solution makes it possible even for users of non-MMS capable
legacy GSM terminals to receive multimedia messages. Legacy-terminals
users receive an SMS notification and can connect to a web site to view
their MMS message.
"For
us, MMS is clear step towards 3G roll-out in Singapore," said Mr
Neil Montefiore, Chief Executive Officer of M1. "We've had remarkable
success with SMS, and we foresee that MMS will form the next wave of
mobile data, moving us beyond text to images and sound while spurring
an increase in data traffic. With the launch of our multimedia messaging
service, M1 will bring our subscribers face-to-face with the potential
of future 3G services."
Mr
James Lin, Vice President & General Manager, Business Development,
Nokia Networks Asia Pacific said: "This is a major milestone in
the long relationship between Nokia and M1.We are pleased that M1 has
chosen us to help in this significant move forward, making 3G and world
of rich mobile data a reality in Singapore."
Nokia has among the industry's longest and most extensive experience
in MMS, having piloted commercial systems since the third quarter 2001.
Nokia has delivered its MMS solution since December 2001 and supplied
the solution used in Asia's first MMS commercial service, launched in
March 2002. Nokia's other MMS milestones include the world's first-ever
MMS roaming and interconnection, demonstrated in February 2002.
