For the first time in Australia, GSM mobile customers with Vodafone and Optus can now send multimedia message service (MMS or PXT™) to each other, making picture messaging more accessible.
The new intercarrier service will be available from next week giving Optus and Vodafone customers the ability to send full colour images, text and sound direct from their mobile phones to friends and family or colleagues on either network.
Optus and Vodafone customers who have an MMS capable handset will be able to send pictures direct to a compatible handset on either of the two networks.
If a Vodafone or Optus customer sends an MMS to a customer who doesn't have an MMS handset or to a customer with another carrier, a text message (SMS) will be sent alerting the recipient that they have a picture message waiting for them at a specified website.
Allen Lew, Managing Director, Optus Mobile said, "When SMS across carriers was introduced in April 2000 we saw a 1000 per cent increase in SMS traffic. This agreement will help kick-start the MMS revolution in Australia.
"We think colour, content and cameras will be king this Christmas as mobile users capture and share special moments using pictures as well as words," Mr Lew said.
Grahame Maher, Managing Director, Vodafone Australia said: "Our customers have come up with some cool applications for PXT™, in social environments and at work, now they have the freedom to send them to a wider audience.
"This agreement, along with the recent launch of our pre pay PXT™ service, will truly harness the power of PXT™," Mr Maher said.
Negotiations have also begun with other carriers and it is hoped that the service will be available to all mobile consumers in the near future.
For more information:
Susan Redden Makatoa
savage & horrigan for Vodafone
Tel: (02) 9268 1504
Mob: 0403 870 383
Email: susan@savage-horrigan.com.au
Louise Ingram
Corporate Affairs Optus
Tel: (02) 9342 5042
Email: louise.ingram@optus.com.au
About Vodafone
Vodafone Group Plc has interests in mobile networks in 28 countries over five continents. The company provides quality services to 2.27 million Australian customers, 1.16 million New Zealand customers and 88,000 Fijian customers. Vodafone has more than 107.5 million proportionate customers worldwide. Note: Vodafone is a trademark spelt with an 'f' and not a 'ph'. For more information, please visit: www.vodafone.com.au
About Optus Mobile
Optus, which is part of the SingTel Group, has over 4.34 million Australian mobile customers representing over one third of the local mobile market and is part of SingTel's 29 million mobile users in the Asia Pacific region. For more information, please visit www.optus.com.au