LogicaCMG helps VimpelCom boost SMS-based mobile content uptake

Details: Alec Barton; Category: Consumer Ecosystems; 20 February 2007; 12039 views

Russia's Vimpelcom Group, which includes cellular companies in both Russia and surrounding countries, has seen consumer demand for new SMS-based services grow dramatically over the last year. Reflecting this growth, Vimpelcom has selected LogicaCMG to support what is a rapid uptake of SMS-based applications under the LogicaCMG Beeline brand...

LogicaCMG has been selected by VimpelCom to support the rapid uptake of SMS-based applications under its Beeline brand. VimpelCom provides mobile services in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Armenia, and has witnessed consumer demand for new SMS-based services, including a Call Me offering and content services, grow dramatically over the last year. It is to support this rapid growth that Vimpelcom has chosen LogicaCMG, purchasing an SMSC extension, as well as systems to optimise connectivity architecture and to provide a dedicated interface for third party content with an SMS Gateway. Recent LogicaCMG research undertaken with Ipsos MORI identified that Russian subscribers are far more likely than UK, German or Italian consumers to use, and be prepared to pay for enhanced SMS services. In fact, with the market responding to SMS content services with enthusiasm, SMS traffic is set to grow even further in the next 12 to 18 months, while VimpelCom wanted to be fully prepared for increased uptake and use of SMS-based mobile services.

The expanded SMSC will ensure that VimpelCom can process the newer application-to-person messages with the high service levels that customers have come to expect. LogicaCMG's SMS Gateway also means that Vimpelcom will be able to launch new SMS applications across its entire Russian customer base faster and easier. "SMS-based mobile services are very popular in the Russian market, with consumers subscribing at a rapid rate, and they are looking set to continue to grow," said Victor Markelov, Product Director at VimpelCom. "This is a very important technology upgrade for us as it will ensure that we are able to continue offering the fast and reliable SMS experience that our customers expect, while extending the number and range of new services available."

Harun Sengül, Sales Director at LogicaCMG Telecoms, declared: "SMS traffic is predicted to continue growing well into 2010, and in order to make the most of this growth mobile operators will look to offer subscribers additional SMS-based services which will provide increased revenues and boost uptake."

* The VimpelCom Group's cellular licence portfolio covers a population of about 240 million. This includes 78 regions of Russia (136.5 million people, representing 94% of Russia?s population), and the entire territory of Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Armenia. VimpelCom was the first Russian company to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

More info