August 22, 2005

Alltel Corp. has finally joined the multimedia messaging service interoperability bandwagon last Thursday, announcing deals with the nation's two largest wireless carriers.

Alltel announced agreements allowing its subscribers to exchange picture and video messages with both Cingular Wireless L.L.C. and Verizon Wireless users. The deals mark the first MMS interoperability agreements for Alltel, which said it expects to forge similar relationships in coming weeks.

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Verizon has notched such deals with Cingular, Leap Wireless International Inc. and U.S. Cellular Corp.; Cingular is MMS interoperable with Sprint PCS, T-Mobile USA Inc., Leap and U.S. Cellular in addition to Verizon.

"Inter-carrier multimedia messaging is another example of the wireless industry working together to provide an enhanced experience for customers," said Kevin Beebe, Alltel's group president of operations.

Alltel stock was up 5 cents to $61.35 in mid-morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange Friday.

Source: RCR News