MMS Interconnection Tested Via GRX

Cable & Wireless says that it is the first GPRS Roaming Exchange (GRX) provider to have successfully tested the exchange of international multimedia messaging service (MMS) traffic with an interconnect partner, in this instance the wholesale division of T-Systems, International Carrier Sales & Solutions (ICSS). This is an important step in Cable & Wireless' and T-Systems' plans to carry MMS traffic between mobile operators around the world in anticipation of growing consumer demand for international MMS, via a high quality GRX platform.

"Through testing with Cable & Wireless, we have shown that it is possible to offer mobile operators a one-stop-shop service for exchanging MMS traffic internationally. This demonstrates ICSS' commitment to helping mobile operators address their current and future market needs," explained Stefanie Kalmbach, Executive Vice President, IP and Carrier Solutions, T-Systems.

"Cable & Wireless' GRX service has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2000, and we are committed to meeting operators' developing needs with new functionality," said John Lewis, director, Mobile Carrier Services, Cable & Wireless. "In order to send MMS traffic anywhere in the world, our GRX must be able to exchange messages seamlessly with our interconnect partners, and we have proven this capability with T-Systems. We plan to continue testing our GRX with interconnect partners and mobile operators to ensure we have a robust and flexible infrastructure in place."

Cable & Wireless' MMS interoperability service is currently being tested externally and will be launched commercially in mid-2004, offering mobile operators a one-stop-shop service for exchanging MMS traffic internationally.

Cable & Wireless is the leading GRX provider in Europe, with 39 mobile operators directly connected to the GRX and links to more than 145 mobile operators worldwide through 13 interconnect agreements."

Posted to the site on 4th March 2004