Kuwait, Bahrain collaboration deliver mobile messaging first

The announcement means that multimedia picture messages can now be sent and received between two independent operators in the Middle East region for the first time.

"Wataniya's aim is to extend the international capabilities it offers its subscribers, building on the company's clear leadership in providing international roaming and SMS capabilities for subscribers in Kuwait. Now Action subscribers can exchange MMS messages with friends, family and colleagues in Bahrain as well as in Kuwait," said David Murray, CEO of Wataniya Telecom.

"We're delighted to be working with Wataniya to support MMS access between our two networks. We believe this will extend the value Batelco subscribers enjoy from Bahrain's network," said Tony Hart, CEO of Batelco.

The announcement follows hot on the heels of a joint announcement made by Wataniya and MTC which will allow MMS messages to be exchanged between the two Kuwaiti operators. More regional and international MMS announcements are expected as Wataniya extends the reach of its Action multimedia messaging service. The company currently offers roaming and SMS services to over 200 operators in 100 countries, which stands as the most extensive roaming support for Kuwaiti mobile users.

"Wataniya roams wider afield and supports more international SMS destinations than other networks. We're extending that reach to multimedia messaging now," said Murray. "We're
delighted to be working with Batelco to support advanced messaging services between our two networks, and we'll be extending our reach now, country by country."

Action is the Middle East's most diverse range of advanced multimedia and entertainment lifestyle service, based on GPRS and MMS technologies. Subscribers to the service today can send and receive photo messages, access Arabic comics, Qu'ranic verses, Blue Mountain Arts e-cards, wallpapers, movie previews, screensavers, cartoons and horoscopes, compose and send greeting cards and access the Internet as well as their email accounts (from Hotmail to Yahoo and other popular local providers).

Action also delivers the CoolZone service, which provides Kuwaiti mobile users weekly updates on the world's latest fashion and lifestyle accessories through their MMS-enabled handsets.

Action is available to all Wataniya post paid and pre-paid "Xpress" customers with GPRS and MMS featured mobiles.