Info2cell.com chief presents the challenges and rewards of MMS at Connect 2006

Speaking at the summit, Bashar Dahabra, Founder and CEO, Info2cell.com said, "Multimedia messaging in the region is still in its infancy due to various factors. The success and popularity of MMS will depend on the tenacity with which it can overcome challenges such as network interoperability, production of content, device penetration, the inefficiencies in handset technology and the roll-out of GPRS in the region."

"On the other hand, there are several factors that could positively drive the growth in demand for MMS in the region. An increasing number of customers are ready to pay up to four times premium over SMS charges for MMS. The expanded content offering and the audio, animation and video features that MMS offers will certainly lure more customers to opt for multimedia messaging services, especially among the techno-savvy younger population of mobile phone users," added Dahabra.

Info2cell.com has played a pioneering role in the provision of MMS content in the region, and is keen to further enhance its offerings by providing subscribers a host of value-added MMS-related services. Info2cell.com has been partnering with high profile content providers to enhance the experience of MMS subscribers through value-added services such as weather reports with images, world cup alerts, stock quotes with graphs, in addition to horoscopes, greeting cards and cartoons.

"MMS redefines messaging as it combines various elements of audio-visual communication. Info2cell.com have for long been major proponents of MMS, which is evident from the depth of our MMS content offerings, and we are committed to broaden our MMS content channels and services to keep pace with changing customer requirements. We have in place, a process to create specific multimedia messages for each mobile phone terminal model, delivering the best quality content related to the specific features and characteristics of each terminal."

"Mobile entertainment in general is coming of age as a consistent and reliable source of revenue for carriers, product developers and aggregators of content. MMS services have of late gained greater strategic importance for mobile service providers as they are instrumental in driving up the average revenue per user (ARPU)." said Dahabra.

Dahabra also pointed out that the developments in 3GPP and 3GPP2, the decreasing costs of handsets and the rapidly increasing GSM subscriber base in the region are factors that will ensure a bright future for MMS. He however warned that the possibility of MMS turning into SPAM could deter customers from subscribing to MMS.

Recognised international and regional high-profile experts in the telecommunications industry are meeting at Connect 2006 to discuss issues such as successful regulatory models, ensuring fair competition, fixed-mobile convergence, best strategies to increase revenues when market penetration rates are high and maintaining existing market share.

"Events like Connect are extremely important today, especially after the liberalization of the telecoms sector in the region and the increased investments in this vital sector. This is an ideal platform for industry professionals in the region to exchange ideas and expertise, and to keep pace with the latest global developments in the mobile market," Dahabra concluded.