17 October 2006     

Cable & Wireless and Telecom Italia Sparkle complete successful mobile video sharing trial

Cable & Wireless and Telecom Italia Sparkle have successfully completed the first international mobile video sharing trial.
Mobile video sharing allows users to view live or pre-recorded video content together during a normal voice call. This means that consumers could resolve disputes over whether a goal went over the line, or a player was offside, by watching video clips on their mobile phone during a call – and continue the discussion after the video had finished. Alternatively consumers could ask for fashion advice from friends, whilst out shopping - sending through and discussing video footage of the various outfits they try on.
The GSMA-sponsored trial witnessed the transmission of mobile video content successfully between different mobile operators.
Video content from mobile operators in Europe and Asia was sent across Cable & Wireless’ 3rd Generation Roaming Exchange (3GRX) and then passed to Telecom Italia Sparkle’s 3GRX. Video content supplied by Telecom Italia Mobile was also sent back over the Telecom Italia Sparkle network back onto Cable & Wireless.

“Mobile video sharing is the natural progression for global mobile data roaming and presents a huge future growth market,” said John Lewis, director of carrier partners at Cable & Wireless. “This is the first step towards a new and exciting service for our carrier customers and we are pleased to be at the forefront of the next phase of mobile data sharing for businesses and consumers. Cable & Wireless has always been a pioneer in this space since we launched the first 3GRX platform in 2001.”
“In the changing mobile industry we are constantly looking for new innovative services for mobile operators. We are excited to be at the leading edge of innovation by building up fundamental expertise and know-how for our customers. Telecom Italia Sparkle’s successful participation in the GSMA trial marks a major step forward in our strategy to become the best-in-class partner for mobile operators,” said Arturo Danesi, VP Marketing Wholesale at Telecom Italia Sparkle.

For further information, please contact

Gabriella Improta
Telecom Italia Sparkle
Email: gabriella.improta@telecomitalia.it