Vodafone launches picture messaging service

Vodafone Malta on Friday launched the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) enabling Vodafone customers to send and receive messages containing colour pictures, sound and text between MMS-enabled phones for free as an introductory offer.

This service is available to all Vodafone contract and etalk customers. Picture messages add a whole new dimension to mobile communication - MMS may be used to show friends what's happening at a party, during a holiday or even at work. It has business applications too - people in the sales business, such as property, will find it very useful.

"Vodafone is proud to be the local mobile company to launch the real MMS in Malta. This state-of-the-art communication service is as easy to use as sending or receiving SMS, yet it is even more fun. We are always aiming to provide customers with the latest innovative technology and we are certain that MMS will be a popular means of communication among local mobile users."

Vodafone's MMS customers can send and receive MMS from any other make of MMS phone and can also send messages to MMS-enabled phones of other local mobile networks.

Vodafone's MMS service enables customers to send colour images, audio files and text internationally to any e-mail address in the world. Anyone who does not own an MMS-enabled phone can still view the messages - all they need is an e-mail address.

Vodafone is also offering its customers the possibility to send images through Vodafone's Website www.vodafone.com.mt. This service is similar to the free SMS service available to customers registered on the My Vodafone section on the Website.

Customers will be able to upload any images saved on their PC and send them to any Vodafone Malta MMS customer. As a special introductory offer Vodafone customers will be able to send three free MMS messages daily from My Vodafone. Subscription to My Vodafone is free.

Vodafone customers can send instant pictures from anywhere in the world where Vodafone Malta has roaming agreements - 225 networks in 99 countries (this service is subject to data call charges).

Vodafone live!

Earlier in the week, on Thursday, Vodafone Group launched Vodafone live!, a unique combination of mobile services, through an easy-to-use colour menu on MMS phones. Vodafone live! brings customers colour picture messaging, the best in colour gaming, the most realistic ringtones, chat, alerts, and information in colour and in pictures.

Vodafone live! was made available in Vodafone Group's operators in Portugal, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. The launch of this service in Malta and in other Vodafone companies around the world will follow in 2003.

"With this new concept, Vodafone Malta will enrich the existing mobile telecommunications experience by bringing together a cohesive set of the latest mobile multimedia services in one package," Mr Grioli said.

A range of MMS phones are available from all Vodafone outlets.