Mobile operators push next gen services

You will learn to love picture messaging

Disappointing take-up of new mobile services such picture messaging is behind the creation of a lobby group by the major mobile operators.

DoCoMo, MMO2, Orange, Telefonica Mobiles, T-Mobile and Vodafone have all joined the organisation, called the Open Mobile Terminal Platform Alliance. They aim to work with handset manufacturers to improve standards. Despite good sales of camera phones many consumers still have problems sending pictures between handsets and between networks, reports the FT.

The group wants both handset makers and operating system providers to improve interoperability between phones, making it easier for users to access new services.

KPN, Telenor and 3 have expressed an interest in joining.

The lobby group will also encourage non-proprietary operating systems with better interoperability with Java. There are concerns that mobile operating systems will be dominated by Microsoft and Symbian. The group is believed to be talking to Savaje Technologies which develops a Java-based OS for mobiles. ®

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