MTNL launches Convergent Voice SMS from Kirusa

MTNL subscribers can send Voice SMS messages to Fixed Line and Mobile Phones;

A ‘First of its kind’ Convergent Voice SMS Initiative in the World

Tuesday, May 22nd 2007:  New Providence, New Jersey and New Delhi, India: MTNL, the Government owned fixed line and mobile operator in India, with operations in Delhi and Mumbai, today launched the world’s first “Convergent” Voice SMS service for its fixed and mobile subscribers. The Convergent Voice SMS Service is based upon the patented “Voice SMS” technology from Kirusa, a leading mobile value added services provider based in New Jersey, USA.

MTNL fixed line and mobile subscribers in Delhi can now send personalized Voice SMS messages to friends, family and colleagues across MTNL’s mobile and fixed networks within Delhi. This service would also be available to MTNL subscribers in Mumbai shortly.

A truly convergent service, the Voice SMS application allows an MTNL fixed or mobile subscriber to send a voice message without having the phone ring (RingFree MessagingSM). The recipient is not disturbed, and can pick up the message at his leisure. To send a Voice SMS message, a user simply dials “1*” followed by the recipient’s phone number, and speaks a short message, in the language of his choice. If the recipient is a mobile user, the recipient gets an SMS message, and can dial 1*0* to retrieve new Voice SMS messages, and 1*1* to retrieve old Voice SMS messages. If the recipient is a fixed line user, he receives a call, and the message is spoken to him. The fixed line user can also retrieve Voice SMS messages at any time by dialing 1*0* to retrieve new Voice SMS messages, or dialing 1*1* to retrieve old Voice SMS messages from his fixed line phone. The recipient can also reply, forward, save, or delete the Voice SMS message.

To support the launch, Kirusa has deployed and integrated the Kirusa Voice SMS platform into MTNL’s fixed line and mobile networks. This is a first ever deployment of Voice SMS across the world by a convergent carrier, wherein fixed line and mobile subscribers have an option of sending Voice SMS messages to other fixed line or mobile subscribers.

MTNL fixed line and mobile subscribers will pay Rupee 1 (US 2.5 cents) per minute to send, forward or reply to a Voice SMS message. They will be able to listen to a message free of charge for the first time, and will pay Rupee 1 (US 2.5 cents) per minute for listening to the message again.

Mr. A. K. Arora, Executive Director of MTNL, said, “MTNL believes in offering innovative value add services to all subscribers. The Kirusa Voice SMS is a unique convergent service that works seamlessly for fixed and mobile customers of MTNL. This is the first time that fixed line subscribers will be able to benefit from a Voice SMS service. We believe that Kirusa’s Voice SMS will generate heavy usage as it provides value to our entire subscriber base.”

Mr. K. C. Gupta, Executive Director (Operations), MTNL commented on the occasion, “The scale of customization of Kirusa’s Voice SMS to our desired configuration showcases the flexibility, scalability, and robustness of the Kirusa Voice SMS solution. We are confident that the Convergent Voice SMS will be heartily adopted by the MTNL subscribers, and we plan to market this unique service to our customers aggressively.”

Dr. Inderpal Singh Mumick, Founder and CEO, Kirusa said, “We are pleased to work with MTNL to bring the Voice SMS service to fixed and mobile users in Delhi and Mumbai and we congratulate MTNL on the launch of the first ever Convergent Voice SMS service in the world” He continued “We are confident that this service would help MTNL to retain and extend its leadership position in both Delhi and Mumbai.”

Mr. Taranjit Batra, VP Sales at Kirusa commented, “MTNL is the lifeline of Delhi and Mumbai. We are very confident that the simple and easy to use Convergent Voice SMS will help MTNL subscribers adopt it in a big way.” 

About MTNL

MTNL, a government of India undertaking, came into existence on 1st April, 1986 to establish, provide and maintain telecommunication services within territorial jurisdiction of Delhi and Mumbai. At the time of formation of MTNL, in Delhi unit there were only 46 telephone exchanges with equipped capacity of 3,36,700 lines and working DELs of 2,92,669. Since then during past 21 years, MTNL has traveled a long way in modernizing its network by introduction of state-of-the-art technologies in Switching, Transmission and Access network. As on 01/04/2007 the total no. of exchanges have grown to 336 with equipped capacity of 43,84,729 lines and working DELs of 30,02,034 including landline and wireless (CDMA and GSM). With the continuous advancement, in Delhi unit the telephone connections are available on demand and new services like BB using ADSL 2+ Technology, IPTV, Digital certification and WiFi have been introduced to keep pace with the development.

About Kirusa

Kirusa is one of the leading global developers of Mobile Social Media and Value Added Services enabling mobile subscribers to reach out to their family and friends. Kirusa’s solutions include the hugely successful Kirusa Voice SMS service, the world’s most advanced Voice SMS solution, used by over 30 carriers around the world. Kirusa has pioneered a suite of social media applications that facilitate mobile subscribers to interact through voice, including the Call-n-Tweet application which helps users update their Twitter status using voice. Kirusa provides an open platform with APIs to enable third parties to offer mobile applications services to mobile subscribers. Used by mobile subscribers millions of times daily, Kirusa solutions are built on its patented and patent pending technology and its highly reliable and scalable open multimodal platform. Kirusa has been recognized as one of top 100 technology companies by Silicon India, and one of top 25 emerging technology companies by Smart Techie magazine. Headquartered in New Jersey and led by an experienced team of wireless telecom executives and technologists, Kirusa has offices in three continents. ‘Kirusa Voice SMS,’ is a trademark of Kirusa, Inc.

For more information visit: www.kirusa.com.

Media Contacts

Kirusa
Navneet Anand
GreyMatters Communications
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