SAN DIEGO, March 5, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Lack of network interoperability and closed billing platforms are two principal issues threatening to further derail U.S. wireless industry growth. Network operators need to react swiftly, or billions of dollars in annual revenue derived from the delivery of wireless data may be lost forever. Michael Pousti delivered that message to network operators today in an open letter, as the chairman and chief executive officer of SMS.ac, Inc. (www.sms.ac) proposed his vision of growth for the wireless space.
"It is ludicrous that the U.S. remains so far behind much of the world when it comes to the adoption of wireless data communications," said Pousti. "There is no question that lack of interoperability between networks and insufficient billing platforms are major contributors to the flat-lining of domestic wireless revenues.
"Everyone has grown weary of the myriad of excuses that unsuccessfully attempt to minimize the global impact of SMS messaging," continued Pousti. "In mid-1999, there was the contention that, because the Japanese have small fingers, SMS messaging might work in Japan, but not elsewhere. Of course, the Europeans proved that silly observation false.
"Another short-sighted prognostication was that I.M. (Instant Messaging) penetration with PC users would prevent U.S. adoption of SMS messaging via mobile devices," added Pousti. "What a lack of vision. Who wants to be tethered to their PC, when we have the option of messaging whomever we like -- whenever and wherever we like?"
Pousti says that another recent misperception holds that, without a larger input mechanism or without speech recognition offered on mobile devices, SMS will never gain U.S. acceptance. "SMS already accounts for up to 30 percent of European and Asian operator revenue. The demand is there. Those continents already provide extensive interoperability between operators," says Pousti. "More than that, operators in Asia and Europe are opening-up their billing platforms so that developers have incentive to create compelling applications and content that will help bring the 'mobile' wireless data revolution to fruition. U.S. operators need to meet these challenges now, or the U.S. market will be playing catch-up for years."
According to Pousti, the losers in stymied SMS adoption include, but are not limited to, network operators, consumers and third-party vendors.
"Network operators need to open their communities and promote unbridled communications, instead of restricting them. Content is not king and never has been, it's clearly communication that consumers are drawn to," continued Pousti. "There is an all-under-one-roof solution for network operators that is available today, one that allows for cross-network connectivity and absolute billing efficiency. That solution is SMS.ac."
SMS.ac recently announced that in the first 10 weeks since launch, it had registered more than 3 million unique users to its consumer-focused web site (www.sms.ac). Through its core technologies that are showcased on the site, SMS.ac, Inc. enables worldwide wireless interaction between network operators, technology standards, the Internet, consumers and application/content developers.
Pousti claims that while some network operators are cognizant of interoperability issues and billing problems, they are woefully slow at reacting to correct them.
"Network operators control their own destiny and that of the success of wireless data communications," said Pousti. "But, we as an industry are faced with a closing window of opportunity. We're reading a lot of vapor about planned offerings that address wireless industry shortcomings, but consumers and the investment community aren't going to wait. If network operators fail to seize the moment, wireless data is doomed to go the way of the dinosaurs and HDTV."
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 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.
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