SAN DIEGO, April 14, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- First, there was voice. Today, mobile phones are being manufactured to deliver far more than voice communications. Wireless devices are being rendered multimedia-enabled, so that images, video and even CD-quality music can be accessible through consumer handsets. But, what content will be legally exchangeable via wireless devices and what will be the compensation trail for wireless content? This topic was discussed today by Michael Pousti, chairman and chief executive officer of the wireless communications company (SMS.ac, Inc.) that is host to the largest mobile community in the world, www.sms.ac.
"Not much has changed on the digital landscape since we witnessed the untimely demise of thousands of online content providers from 1999-2001," said Pousti. "And yet, wireless content service providers are emerging once again in anticipation of a potentially lucrative wireless boom that seems at hand. Digital Rights Management and compulsory licensing are complex issues and unless the ultimate winners this time are consumers, Internet history is on the verge of revisiting itself in the wireless space.
"Content must be readily available to consumers, complete with a palatable purchasing plan," continued Pousti. "The key to successful uptake by consumers is widespread distribution and ease of consumption that culminates in an enjoyable user experience. Along the way, copyright holders need to be justly compensated, as do developers and other appropriate third parties. I foresee spirited debate and jostling for position among content owners hoping for a huge wireless payday. But, if consumers are left hanging, as they were during the Internet crash, then billions of dollars will remain unrealized."
Although he believes that multimedia content (MMS) will have some role in generating revenues within the wireless space, Pousti says he believes that multimedia content will ultimately prove to be about 5% of the content delivered to mobile devices.
"History tells us that 95% of the activity on the Internet and on telephones has always been related to personal communications," said Pousti. "For that reason, I am confident that the lion's share of wireless data will continue to manifest itself in the form of textual communications.
"SMS.ac remains a proponent of multimedia content. In fact, our core proprietary technology was created for the wholly interoperable exchange of both SMS (text) and MMS (multimedia) content. But, at the end of the day it will be consumers that shape this industry and what is delivered to their wireless devices."
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About SMS.ac
SMS.ac is a wireless communications company that is host to the largest wireless community in the world (www.sms.ac). With nearly 10 million members registered in more than 200 countries, SMS.ac is a truly global mobile community that has connectivity to more than 400 networks worldwide. Through its core MMSbox(tm) technologies, SMS.ac, Inc. enables the exchange of text and multimedia communications across any enabled network, to any wirelessly enabled device.
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. 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.