SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mobile phone customers that are eagerly awaiting the arrival of enhanced multimedia messaging (music, photos, video, etc.) to wireless handsets do not want to be put on hold. That sentiment was expressed recently in a poll conducted by wireless communications company, SMS.ac, Inc. (www.sms.ac). In the poll, mobile phone customers expressed the willingness to pay for next-generation applications and devices today, but said they feel disconnected as to when they can actually expect the introduction of these products and services.
Respondents from SMS.ac's global mobile community of approximately 6 million registered members (representing over 220 countries) answered questions relating to wireless devices, network operator services and the highly anticipated arrival of Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) offerings. The one-day poll garnered more than 26,000 respondents.
Of those participating in the poll, 67.6% responded that they would upgrade to MMS-enabled handsets today, if there were compelling applications and the handsets were available at rates comparable to their current phones. However, approximately 38% of those polled felt that the introduction of MMS handsets into the general marketplace was more than a year away. And 47.5% replied that they were unsure as to when MMS-enabled devices might surface for consumers.
Still, the prospect of enhanced messaging capabilities is enticing to mobile phone users. An overwhelming majority of those surveyed (86.8%) say that when available, they expect to use multimedia applications on their mobile devices with regularity.
Attitudes from prior SMS.ac polls were echoed in this latest query, as mobile consumers once again stated their desire for broader SMS (Short Message Service) connectivity and also for a more extensive range of SMS/MMS-related products and services. 62% of poll participants say that restricted network connectivity would compel them to switch service providers.
In addition to coverage and services offered, poll respondents said that strong customer support was a significant factor in choosing a mobile service provider. 34.5% replied that they would pay $1 (U.S.) to a mobile provider if they received prompt, effective troubleshooting in return.
"This latest poll indicates the importance of delivering next-generation services and devices in a timely fashion," said Michael Pousti, chairman and chief executive officer of SMS.ac. "Consumer demand for SMS continues to skyrocket and expectations for next-generation user experience is high. We are seeing more importance also being placed on quality customer support. The fact that subscribers are willing to pay in order to ensure satisfaction is significant."
Just last week, SMS.ac announced that in only six months, its wireless data communication showcase (www.sms.ac) shattered the record for the largest and fastest product launch in Internet history. As of June 10, 2002, the San Diego-based wireless communications company registered nearly 6 million users, eclipsing the launches of several impressive companies (www.sms.ac/launches).
SMS.ac technology enables the exchange of SMS and MMS (Multimedia Message Service) communications across all existing networks and platforms and this technology is showcased as a youth-oriented, communication-focused offering at www.sms.ac.
To receive a complete copy of the SMS.ac survey referenced above, please send an email with your request to prcomm@sms.ac.
SMS.ac is host to more than 6 million wireless customers from over 220 countries that have registered to utilize the communication-focused wireless products and services offered at www.sms.ac.
To learn more about SMS.ac and to discover how this brandable technology can be integrated into your company's existing infrastructure, visit www.sms.ac and contact bizdev@sms.ac.
To receive SMS.ac press releases via email, register at prsubscribe@sms.ac. You may unsubscribe from this service by sending an email to prunsubscribe@sms.ac.
About SMS.ac
With more than 6 million registered members, SMS.ac is a truly global mobile community with connectivity to more than 400 networks in over 170 countries. Through its core MMSbox(tm) technologies, SMS.ac, Inc. enables worldwide wireless interaction between network operators, technology standards, the Internet, consumers and application/content developers. 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.
This and other PrimeZone ePRs can be found at www.primezone.com/pages/eprs.shtml