WASHINGTON, D.C.-The GSM Association signed an agreement with NeuStar Inc. to offer Root Domain System services to more than 680 global GSM mobile operators.
NeuStar’s Root DNS will manage a global common directory, enabling GSM networks to interoperate, which will give wireless operators, across networks, access to Internet Protocol-based mobile data, content and multimedia services on roaming or home networks.
The global common directory is similar to “white pages,” shared among global operators, giving subscribers the ability to use Internet-based services like video, text messaging, e-mail, music and ringtone downloads anywhere in the world.
The GSMA said the agreement aims to become the definitive source for GSM operators to access shared DNS services and draws on the combined strength of the GSMA membership, serving more than 1.5 billion mobile subscribers across 210 countries and territories, and NeuStar’s DNS registry.
“NeuStar’s Root DNS service supports carrier-grade reliability and availability, ensuring seamless business operations involving DNS, such as domain name registrations, calls, messages and session processing,” said Jeff Ganek chairman and chief executive of NeuStar. “Due to IP-based network convergence, NeuStar’s DNS services will play an increasingly vital role in the mobile industry for data and content services, such as Multimedia Messaging Services, push-to-talk over Cellular, and IP Multimedia Service.”
The GSMA is the trade association representing GSM wireless carriers around the world.
In July, NeuStar launched a $600 million U.S. initial public offering. NeuStar stores the phone numbers and area codes for telecommunications companies, including wireless carriers. The company also manages the .us and .biz Internet domains, as well as common short codes for the wireless industry.
