29th September 2004 - In trials conducted as part of a GSM Association initiative, Vodafone, Belgacom and Cable & Wireless have demonstrated dramatic reductions in the cost, complexity and time involved in supporting cross-network MMS traffic.

The new standards-based system enables payment information to be cascaded through the various networks across which MMS messages travel, allowing multiple operators involved in the delivery of a message to be recognised. The trial establishes a multilateral ‘hub’ concept whereby operators will only have to connect once to reach all the networks connected to that hub, (and through interconnect arrangements between hubs, reach operators connected to other hubs). This combined solution offers mobile operators unrivalled levels of connectivity, security, billing and settlement, while maintaining the independence of each operator to determine its own pricing structures.

Alan Harper, Head of Strategy at Vodafone Group and champion of the Initiative on the GSM Association’s Board explained, “As the system provides the ability to connect to many other operators with one connection and one agreement, we and any others that connect will be able to offer our customers seamless, global MMS services much more quickly. This is something that can benefit all mobile operators and their customers. We were looking for a global solution not just a system for Vodafone and that is why we worked with the GSMA to trial this system.”

“The MMS trial proves the concept of new structures for new data services and demonstrates that the operator community is leading the industry’s development for the benefit of all customers,” explained Rob Conway, CEO and Member of the Board, GSM Association.

The new standards-based system has been developed in direct response to a specific need amongst operators that were frustrated by the complexity of the existing processes. To date, network interconnection has been achieved bi-laterally which means, for example, that for a user on one network to have the ability to send an MMS messages to any GSM network, over 660 operators would have to create 650 bilateral connections and agreements. Without a hub, each connection would need to be implemented and tested to ensure technical interoperability and a commercial structure would need to be put in place for each.

In the trials, both Belgacom and Cable & Wireless added switching and billing functionality to their GRX networks to provide the hub function and cascade billing support and Vodafone subsequently connected a number of its member companies into the hubs. This additional capability, which builds on Belgacom and Cable & Wireless’ existing products, has provided both GRX carriers with the ability to offer mobile operators a one-stop-shop for MMS connections amongst multiple networks.

Alan Whelan, Managing Director, Carrier Services, Cable & Wireless explained, "We're delighted to have contributed towards the establishment of a new standard for the mobile data industry. Our collaboration with the GSMA should help pave the way towards a viable one-stop-shop solution that allows mobile operators to connect into a single community, offering greater economies for operators, enhanced speed to market, and provides the mobile operators with a sustainable commercial model going forward."

Bridget P. Cosgrave, President of Belgacom International Carrier Services concluded, “We are proud that we have succeeded to deliver the foundation for multimedia messaging inter-networking in conjunction with the GSMA and Vodafone group of operators. We are convinced that the ability to send and receive MMS, to and from other networks is key to stimulate take-up and deliver on high expectations for these new services.”

About the GSM Association
The GSM Association (GSMA) is the global trade association that exists to promote, protect and enhance the interests of GSM mobile operators throughout the world. At the end of August 2004, it consisted of 660 second and third generation mobile operators and more than 140 manufacturers and suppliers. The Association's members provide mobile services to approaching 1.1 billion customers across more than 200 countries and territories around the world. The GSMA aims to accelerate the implementation of collectively identified, commercially prioritised operator requirements and to take leadership in representing the global GSM mobile operator community with one voice on a wide variety of issues nationally, regionally and globally.

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