Brazilian Network Expands CDMA Coverage - Launches MMS

The Brazilian CDMA operator, Vivo has announced the first MMS service using CDMA technology in Latin America. The first cell phone configured for MMS services is the Samsung Twist which features a built-in camera that rotates to take pictures, in addition to a built-in flash, rotating viewer, and the capability to store up to 100 pictures and display up to 260 thousand colors. The Twist also enables pictures to be emailed or messaged to another cell phone, and has the capability of transmitting both text and music.

Luis Avelar, VP of Marketing and Innovation, says this launch is very important because it showcases Vivo as a pioneer within the CDMA industry and nicely aligns with Vivo's strategy to consolidate wireless data services.

Vivo's MMS services, developed on Openwave System's platform, are already on the air. Pmovil is responsible for Vivo's MMS based web-site content, which was developed by several partners such as iG, Abril, Folha Online, VoxCards, and Promogard.

"We are the first CDMA carrier in Latin America to offer this service. We believe these MMS applications, exclusive to Vivo, in conjunction with the MMS Mini-site will serve as a bridge for a communication experience that is attractive, fun and useful in the use of wireless technology. These services bring a competitive edge to our CDMA operations in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Parana", concludes Luis Avelar.

Vivo, a joint venture of Portugal Telecom and Telefonica Moviles, also says that it has selected Nortel Networks to implement 3G Data Networks in the West-Central and Southern regions of Brazil. Nortel Networks will be the exclusive provider of both core and access solutions for the state of Rio Grande do Sul's network, and will supply core networks in the cities of Brasilia and Goiania. Nortel Networks will overlay VIVO's existing TDMA network with CDMA 2000 1X technology.

In Rio Grande do Sul, 45 municipalities will be covered in the first stage, including the Porto Alegre metropolitan area, Bento Goncalves, Caxias do Sul, Gramado, Canela, Canoas, Farroupilha, Novo Hamburgo, Sao Leopoldo, the coastal areas and more."

Posted to the site on 30th October 2003