SAN DIEGO/CANNES, France, Feb. 20, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- 3G and multimedia communications alone will not bring prosperity to the wireless industry. That was the message delivered yesterday by Michael C. Pousti to industry executives attending the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes. Pousti, the chairman and chief executive officer of SMS.ac (www.sms.ac), told attendees that wireless communications must emphasize person-to-person communications and community -- not content alone.
"When Alexander Bell created the telephone, he conceived its use to be primarily for the broadcast of symphonies, for content distribution," Pousti stated. "We know that the telephone is now predominantly used for person-to-person communications. And during the Internet explosion of the 1990s, everyone was once again convinced that content would be king. Instead, email, instant messaging and text chat currently comprise more than 90 percent of online activity.
"The point is, history seems to be repeating itself. Wireless data is destined to go the way of high-definition television if the wireless industry continues to focus on content and closed or limited-reach communities. No, 3G and multimedia content are clearly not the answer -- unless they are wrapped around communications and community," added Pousti.
Pousti said he believes the wireless industry must refocus its energies into removing hurdles that impede technology adoption by consumers. He specifically referenced U.S. network operators and challenged them to announce an immediate plan for SMS (Short Message Service) interoperability. Additionally, Pousti said that bridges must be deployed to close the gap on existing and upcoming competing standards.
The SMS.ac CEO levied responsibility on operators to open-up networks and encouraged the development and launch of communications and community-related applications that would increase demand for text and next-generation wireless products. "Mobile network operators need to upgrade and open up their billing platforms," said Pousti.
The comments from SMS.ac's chairman came as his company announced today that its web site (www.sms.ac) registered more than 3 million users in only ten weeks. The consumer-focused site showcases wireless technologies that enable text and next-generation communications over all existing technology standards and across networks around the world.
Pousti believes those looking to 3G and multimedia as the cure for wireless blues are in for a rude awakening. "With your fast Internet connections and large monitors, how often do we currently watch free, full-motion video on the Net?" Pousti asked the assembly. "Almost never. So, why do we think consumers are going to rush and view full-motion video from a wireless device's little screen-with a lower bandwidth connection and a charge of about $1 USD per minute?
"Time is running out," Pousti continued. "The wireless industry has been slow to identify key indicators and slower to move. The steps that need to be taken are clear. The question remains, do we as an industry, and operators in particular, have the vision to open communities and communications now, or will wireless data become the next HDTV? HDTV failed, not because the concept was wrong, but because the investment community lost interest."
To learn more about SMS.ac and to discover how this brandable technology can be integrated into your wireless network operator's infrastructure, visit www.sms.ac and contact bizdev@sms.ac.
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About SMS.ac
Through its core technologies, SMS.ac, Inc. enables the worldwide interaction of network operators, technology standards, consumers and application/content developers. SMS.ac's MMSbox(tm) technologies unify GSM, CDMA, TDMA, the Internet and next-generation standards for the first time. The result is interaction not previously possible amongst a critical mass of developers, consumers and businesses-- igniting the widespread adoption and use of wireless data for network operators.
SMS.ac drives revenues through technology licensing, subscriptions, sponsorships and shared revenue opportunities. SMS.ac's consumer site (www.sms.ac) is an example of the brandable web interfaces to MMSbox(tm) technologies available for licensing. The community of wireless enthusiasts at SMS.ac represents one of the fastest growing consumer properties on the Internet. SMS.ac and MMSbox are trademarks of SMS.ac, Incorporated. Other trademarks or service marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. To view the SMS.ac corporate web site, visit www.sms.ac/corporate.