NIEUWEGEIN, Netherlands-German wireline carrier International Telecom Network Operation Services (ITENOS), a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, said it will offer fixed-line multimedia messaging services through a new deal with LogicaCMG.
The service will allow ITENOS customers, such as application service providers and content providers, to offer MMS services to fixed-line handsets. ITENOS said fixed-line handset makers like Siemens and Alcatel are currently developing specialized cordless digital handsets to display such multimedia content.
“Tens of thousands of MMS (messages) are being sent in Germany each day-a significant proportion of which are sent from the home,” said Dirk Seul, product manager for mobile solutions at ITENOS. “I believe that the cordless digital telephone will drive fixed-line MMS growth by allowing users to send MMS at a competitive price from the comfort of their homes. This is undoubtedly an attractive proposition that we are confident will be a great success.”
European wireless carriers have been furiously working to drive the use of MMS services, which allow mobile-phone users to send and receive messages with sounds, animations and graphics. Already many European wireline operators have introduced fixed-line text messaging services to tap into the massive short messaging service market in Europe.