SAN DIEGO, May 14, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Is the wireless industry in danger of failing to meet consumer expectations for prompt delivery of SMS and next-generation offerings? That is a distinct possibility and the responsibility for global adoption and the prosperity of future wireless data services rest solidly with network operators, says Michael Pousti, chairman and chief executive officer of SMS.ac, Inc. (www.sms.ac).
Pousti, whose company's Website plays host to more than 5 million wireless users, today delivered an opening keynote speech at SMS Congress 2002 that challenged network operators around the world to immediately discard and then upgrade antiquated billing practices that he maintains are stifling mobile industry growth.
"The absence of easy to understand billing mechanisms that would encourage consumer activity and entice third-party involvement in the wireless data space are impeding industry advances, such as MMS technologies," said Pousti. "I submit that this is a critical timing issue-- operator billing mechanisms must be renovated now to allow for the unbridled delivery of wireless data across all networks. Likewise, third-party revenue sharing models must be in place before content and application developers and others are incented to produce compelling SMS and next-generation offerings that consumers will embrace.
"The wireless industry is today faced with tremendous revenue opportunities," continued Pousti. "I am nevertheless concerned that existing billing and revenue share issues could derail this train. "The clock is ticking because the financial community is not going to fund mobile ventures until they are able to demonstrate model predictability-and that takes time. If the investing community loses interest and goes away, so will opportunities for industry growth."
Pousti says the Internet debacle of the 1990s demonstrated that wireless content must be wrapped around personal communications and community interaction. The SMS.ac chief referenced email, instant messaging and chat as being responsible for the majority of Internet activity. Communication, he says, is king and it has always been so.
"But, let's not forget that it's the consumer who will ultimately shape the wireless landscape and what will become the killer apps," continued Pousti. "So, we had better ask them what they want in terms of products, services and pricing. What is important now is that operators clarify their revenue and pricing models and then convey those accurately to customers and the investing community. Let's all do what it takes to grow this space now, so that consumer and investor interest in SMS and MMS won't wane. Without support from the financial community, MMS is doomed to go the way of high-definition television."
SMS.ac is host to more than 5 million wireless customers from over 220 countries that have registered to utilize its products and services offered at www.sms.ac.
To learn more about SMS.ac and to discover how this brandable technology can be integrated into your company's existing infrastructure, visit www.sms.ac and contact bizdev@sms.ac.
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About SMS.ac
With more than 5 million registered members, SMS.ac is a truly global mobile community with connectivity to more than 400 networks in over 170 countries. Through its core MMSbox(tm) technologies, SMS.ac, Inc. enables worldwide wireless interaction between network operators, technology standards, the Internet, consumers and application/content developers. The result is interaction not previously possible amongst a critical mass of developers, consumers and businesses-- igniting the widespread adoption and use of wireless data for network operators.
SMS.ac drives revenues through technology licensing, subscriptions, sponsorships and shared revenue opportunities. SMS.ac's consumer site (www.sms.ac) is an example of the brandable web interfaces to MMSbox(tm) technologies available for licensing. The community of wireless enthusiasts at SMS.ac represents one of the fastest growing consumer properties on the Internet. SMS.ac and MMSbox are trademarks of SMS.ac, Incorporated. Other trademarks or service marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. To view the SMS.ac corporate Website, visit www.sms.ac/corporate.
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