Wireless Developer Network - Daily News

[ View Today's WirelessDeveloper NewsWire ]
Today's News | WirelessDevNet DevZones | Yesterday's News | Submit News | News-"wireless" Top Stories! | Around-The-Web | Wireless DevZones!

SmartTrust helps MTV fans access the latest in music news and interactive services from the mobile handset Mobile Virtual network operator, MTV, deploys SmartTrust technology for remote SIM card and data service management 29th May 2003: SmartTrust has been selected to support the delivery and management of mobile data services for MTV when it becomes a MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) in June 2003. MTV's prepaid mobile services (branded 'HELLO_MTV') will initially be available in Sweden from the 1st June 2003 and will include a unique set of SIM-based data services targeted directly at MTV fans. The service will use SmartTrust's Delivery Platform (DP) solution to remotely manage the personalisation of services deployed by MTV to subscribers. All of MTV's prepaid cards will come embedded with the SmartTrust WIB to enable users to access these services directly via the handset menu. Already announced services include; music news, hot phone (direct phone to MTV VJs and artists), top list downloads (Up North, Hit list UK, European Top 20, Dance Floor Chart), interactive links to MTV programmes and ringtones. Targeted at the youth market and those with a keen interest in popular music, MTV's data services are expected to become the brand's key differentiator in the telecom market. SmartTrust was selected by Spinbox, who will host the SIM platform and manage customer care, network management and billing on behalf of MTV. Spinbox is Europe's premier enabler of mobile virtual network operator services, offering a complete outsourcing arrangement for companies looking to launch self branded mobile services. "HELLO_MTV is a new business segment for MTV," explains Lars Irenius, Regional Sales Director for Nordic and Eastern Europe Regions at SmartTrust. "Because of the continuously evolving nature of brands such as MTV it will be important that the company is able to dynamically launch new services as they become available and manage user access remotely. SmartTrust DP enables operators to achieve such over-the-air service configuration, ensuring optimal data revenue opportunities." "This increased control ensures user equipment is always suited to match the individual needs of subscribers as well as allowing for the deployment of new services and applications as and when they become available," continues Irenius. "We believe that the services offered via this prepaid card give young people further opportunities to interact with MTV. Many young people want to be updated with the latest pop news and chart positions, as well as having the opportunity to interact with their favourite shows or VJs. Mobile services offer an excellent means of delivering these services as well as opening up new and immediate revenue streams over and above basic voice services," says Staffan Rosell, vice president & general manager, MTV Nordic Region. "We feel that MTV has unique possibilities to succeed as a mobile service provider. Not only has MTV access to a superior promotional vehicle via television, but also a well-defined customer segment and set of core services that are suitable for the mobile channel. MTV, being a media company, has the strength of recurring contacts with its target audience and therefore the ability to build loyalty," says Anders Ingeström, CEO of Spinbox AB. "The fact that MTV enters the MVNO space is groundbreaking. It is the first major international non-telecom brand to launch a mobile prepaid service. We are also delighted to be working with SmartTrust, whose international experience with many of the world's leading mobile operators will help to ensure the long-term success of MTV's data services." About SmartTrust SmartTrust is a leading provider of infrastructure solutions designed to provide mobile subscribers with easy to use and secure personalized services. Using SmartTrust's solutions, mobile operators are able to mange and optimize both handsets and GSM/3G (U)SIM cards to deploy revenue-generating Value Added Services (VAS). Operators that have implemented SmartTrust's solutions have significantly reduced churn and increased ARPU. More than 85 SmartTrust systems have been deployed with leading operators around the world. Customers include Vodafone UK, Vodafone D2, Telenor, SONOFON, Cosmote, MTN, , Cingular Wireless, China Mobile, Airtel/Bharti Cellular, Virgin Mobile, M1 and Satelindo. The SmartTrust CertifiedTM Partner Program includes all major SIM vendors that have licensed its technology for implementation within their cards. Over 120 million WIB-enabled SIM cards are now in circulation with SIM vendor partnerships covering 95% of the SIM card industry. The company is headquartered in Sweden with a regional presence in Finland, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, India, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the United States. Additional information and news on SmartTrust can be found at www.smarttrust.com. Spinbox is Europe's premiere enabler of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), making it possible for businesses to rapidly launch self-branded mobile services. Spinbox breaks down the barriers to entry, by allowing brands to focus on the marketing and sales effort in building their mobile subscriber bases. Spinbox offers a complete set of outsourcing services ranging from mobile network access, customer service, SIM technology, logistics and billing." MTV: Music Television is the world's leading multimedia brand for youth and can be seen in more than 450 million households in 166 countries via 38 channels in 18 languages in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Russia and the U.S.Broadcasting 24 hours a day MTV Europe features an eclectic mix of programming and music, alongside with a great mix of the best of MTV's U.S. and pan-European programming. The Nordic version of MTV is a blend of music material from the entire MTV-world, and a unique purely Nordic part. MTV is a trademark of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).