MMS Interconnection for Pakistan
Big 3 gang up.

bp
=======================
Pakistan's three GSM network operators, Telenor, Ufone and Warid Telecom have launched a MMS interconnection service. This would enable the subscribers of all three operators to exchange MMS or multimedia messages with zero interconnect charges. This was stated in a joint Press Conference of Ufone, Telenor Pakistan, and Warid Telecom here in Islamabad last week.

Addressing the agreement signing ceremony, the telecoms regulator, the PTA Chairman General Shazada Alam Malik appreciated the efforts of all three operators in reaching this breakthrough agreement. "This agreement is a significant development in the cellular sector where healthy competition is introducing cutting-edge value added services for customers. Praising the spirit of cooperation, the Chairman further added: "Here are competitors who understand that they are joint stakeholders in the industry, serving the cause of the customer. They are competitors but also partners in the cellular mobile sector."

President and CEO Ufone Mr. Babar Khan said that this is a break through in the cellular industry and will be exciting for the MMS users of the three operators. He also appreciated the efforts of PTA Chairman for his continuous support in the development of telecom industry in Pakistan, which is now moving towards evolution of value added services for the telecom users in Pakistan.

CEO Telenor Pakistan, Tore Johnsen, termed the agreement a "milestone" and said that it was indicative of the growing maturity of the market and the industry. Tore further added, "Together we are intent at making it easy for the customers to use advanced services and utilize the real potential of the available technology and the quality of network." He congratulated PTA Chairman on the role PTA has been playing in the development of the sector and in bringing such partnerships to life.

Hamid Farooq CEO Warid Telecom said, "MMS is one of the most promising and fastest growing Value Added Service at the moment and we expect MMS to have the same growth boom as SMS had in Pakistan. The difference it can create in the messaging service can be compared to the launch of colored television back in late 70s. I am confident that this interconnection agreement shall be the beginning of a durable and long lasting relationship among the three operators. We truly appreciate the continued support PTA is providing to the mobile operators and they have not only promoted investment in the telecom sector it has substantially protected consumer interests."
- posted @ Monday, December 12, 2005