IP Unity Glenayre takes mobile messaging to the next level in the Middle East

IP Unity Glenayre, a leader in delivering carrier-grade messaging and multimedia solutions over IP, TDM and enterprise networks, today announced that its video mail technology has been selected for deployment in Saudi Arabia by local telecom operator, Etihad Etisalat (Mobily). The service will be the first deployment of Versera Video Mail in the Middle East.

The video mail technology, which allows 3G subscribers to retrieve and view video messages, will be initially deployed to Mobily’s 3G subscribers in Saudi Arabia.

“3G services such as video calling are enjoying a rapid rise in popularity in the Middle East and our customers expect to have access to the very latest technology,” said Khaled M. Khatib, Technical Marketing Manager at Mobily. “IP Unity Glenayre’s video mail has been fully deployed, bringing enhanced services to subscribers and increased revenues to mobile operators; it is one of many enhanced video solutions that will add value to our subscribers.”

IP Unity Glenayre’s Versera Video Mail enables users to have all the traditional voice mail services they are already used to, but with both video and audio capability: when callers make an unanswered video call using the new application, they will see the subscriber inviting them to leave their message and will be able to record a video message in reply. The system also enables advanced messaging capabilities like voice mail, Versera Missed Call Notification and Versera My Services, an Internet portal application that allows subscribers to have full control of their messaging features online.

“The Middle East is experiencing rapid growth in mobile usage and, as such, operators need to accelerate the adoption and awareness of their 3G services to retain subscribers and to drive higher revenues,” said Steve Whipps, Senior Vice President of EMEA at IP Unity Glenayre.  “Mobile messaging solutions like Video Mail add value to operators like Mobily by enabling them to offer a personalized service to differentiate their brand and start increasing 3G service revenue.”

Versera ICE is one of the telecommunications industry’s true next-generation messaging solutions: it enables the deployment of multiple applications on a single, open platform while providing carrier-grade quality for both circuit-switched and IP networks. It is also compliant with IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), enabling operators to plan for convergence and future applications.

About Mobily
Mobily became the first Saudi 3G mobile operator and broke the mobile market monopoly on May 25, 2005 when it launched commercial services to the public after six months of preparations. By the end of 2006, Mobily had 6 million subscribers, prompting the GSM World Association to describe it as the fastest growing operator in the MENA region. By Q2 2007, Mobily claimed a 35% market share. Also in 2007, Mobily raised SAR 10.781 billion ($2.875 billion) and set a new Islamic Finance record. In September, Mobily announced it had entered into an MoU worth SAR 1.5 billion (US$400 million) to buy Bayanat Al Oula, months after launching the first unlimited mobile Internet package in the MENA region that allows subscribers to connect at speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps.