MMS Taking off in South Africa

MMS is set to take-off in South Africa as there are currently 250,000 MTN MMS capable handsets in circulation. MMS was initially launched as photo messaging by South Africa's MTN in October 2002 free of charge. By October 2003 in excess of 30,000 consumers had made use of the service.

MTN is offering all its subscribers an enhanced MMS service. Provided that users have MMS enabled handsets, they can send picture messages, receive live traffic visuals from various intersections in Johannesburg, take photographs and capture and send video clips.

Over the past two years, MTN has gradually introduced and enhanced its MMS offering. As with any new product or service, consumers need to be educated, and as this happens, so does usage of the product or service. In line with network requirements and overhead costs, a pricing structure needed to be introduced. MTN's pricing structure is guided by market-led pricing and to send a MMS will now cost R2.00 per MMS.

Donovan Smith, general manager of consumer marketing at MTN South Africa says, "MTN is constantly developing and exploring new technologies, and is passionate about delivering the most innovative and imaginative services to its customers. MTN's MMS offering is one such service that is providing our customers with cellular freedom."

Posted to the site on 26th January 2004