Fastlink launches first MMS service in Middle East

Launched on August 20, 2002, the MMS Service (Multimedia Messaging Service) allows subscribers to communicate by sending more sophisticated multimedia messages.

MMS is the latest addition to a series of data offerings, and an extension of the Rassel services for mobile messages, which has a proven record of popularity among Jordanians, since its introduction two years ago.

MMS allows subscribers to send a message, which contains a photograph, sound, and text from their mobile handsets to another mobile handset or an email. The size of messages sent can range from 7 - 30 KB.

This novel service enables Fastlink's subscribers to attach pictures and sound to mobile messages in exactly the same way as an email; subscribers can, therefore, send a family photo with a recording of voices, or send a stored picture with music, or melodies for mobile ringers.

MMS service is considered an innovative utilization of the GPRS technology, which Fastlink was the first Middle Eastern operator to launch early this year.

Fastlink is offering free MMS service to all its subscribers (Keep Close, Prepaid, and Corporate) until December 31, 2002. To take advantage of this service, subscribers should have MMS enabled handsets and they should subscribe to the service.

Mr. Michael Dagher, Fastlink's CEO, said: "We have promised Fastlink's subscribers and Jordanian citizens to keep Jordan at the forefront of worldwide cellular technology. Now, here we are fulfilling this long term commitment by launching for the first time in the Middle East region the MMS service. This service will gradually open horizons for new revolutionary applications, which will change perceptions of mobile phones and the status of this device in our everyday lives."

Mr. Dagher added: "I think we are moving on the right track towards bridging the digital divide through mobile phones, which have overtaken personal computers in terms of penetration and popularity. We are pleased to present this service free of charge until the end of this year."

End