“MMS Disconnect” article created misperceptions

Dear Editor:
We would like to raise an issue about the methodology and claims cited in the Aug. 13 article, “The MMS disconnect” by Colin Gibbs.
The article used assertions of two third parties, 4INFO Inc. and RealNetworks Inc., along with Mr. Gibbs’ own tests of handheld devices. Based on a very limited number of tests done for a very short time, the article made the sweeping claims about MMS interoperability.
The AT&T smart devices and BlackBerrys used for the tests are excellent and versatile devices, but they are not necessarily auto-provisioned for MMS, which is a requirement.
The RCR Wireless News editor herself admitted that . “smartphones must be specially programmed for interoperability in order for them to work.”
AT&T stands behind our claims of the quality of our MMS network.
Janna Ducich, Executive Director
Wireless Messaging
AT&T Wireless Unit