NeuStar Delivers Mobile IM to Telefonica O2 Germany

Telefonica O2 Germany has selected NeuStar's Next Generation Messaging (NGM) services to power its mobile Instant Messaging (IM) service in Germany. The launch follows positive user feedback from a successful mobile IM trial carried out in 2008.

Specifically, O2 will deploy NeuStar's Mobile Messaging Gateway (MMG) to deliver mobile IM solutions to O2's 14.7 million customers in Germany. Working closely with IM provider ICQ, NeuStar will enable O2's customers in Germany to communicate with ICQ's 42 million IM users worldwide.

"Our aim is to meet our customers' needs and to provide them with the very best mobile service," said Oliver Schmitt, head of mobile Internet and content at Telefonica O2 Germany. "Following the successful results of the 2008 trial, it is clear that mobile IM is emerging as a popular service with our subscribers."

The service will be promoted nationwide to all subscribers, and is available at launch as a downloadable client on handsets including Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Samsung devices.

"The demand for mobile IM is growing dramatically as users want to stay connected while on the go," said Ofer Oved, vice president of ICQ. "The partnership with NeuStar enables ICQ to offer users trusted mobile IM connectivity through their mobile devices. The collaboration with NeuStar through Telefonica O2 Germany is another step for ICQ towards building a loyal base of regular mobile IM users and providing them with all their communication needs."

Posted to the site on 26th May 2009