South Korea’s largest telecommunications provider, SK Telecom, has launched a new ringback tone service that allows its subscribers to know when they are making in-network calls, thanks to a partnership between telecommunications services platform provider NMS Communications and Korean mobile services developer WITCOM Co. Ltd. SK Telecom’s new service, called T-Ring, automatically sends a special ringback tone that lets the caller know that the call is in-network, meaning that the charges will be lower than an out-of-network call.
The latest in a string of personalized mobile services offered by SK Telecom, T-Ring enables subscribers save up to 50 percent when they’re calling in network. The service was recently made available to SK Telecom’s 20 million subscribers. In 2001, SK Telecom launched the world’s first personalized color ringback tone (CRBT) service, which enabled subscribers to attribute different ring tones to friends and family.
“Personalization is a significant differentiator for mobile operators looking for new ways to maximize revenue,” said Joon-Yong Song, Manager of Sales Team at Witcom. “Working with NMS platforms has helped us develop creative, revenue-generating services that help operators like SK Telecom stand out in their markets.”
WITCOM used NMS Open Access™ media processing boards and signaling products to develop T-Ring. Open Access products are open, scalable, high-density building blocks that give developers the processing power and capacity needed to rapidly develop an ever-increasing array of current and next-generation services.
“Cost-conscious mobile subscribers in South Korea now have a tool that lets them proactively manage their usage,” said Jamie Warter, vice president of marketing at NMS Communications. “WITCOM and NMS together will continue providing the next-generation ringback and other mobile services that customers demand, and that operators will benefit from.”
About SK Telecom
SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM) is the #1 wireless communication services provider in South Korea serving more than 20 million cellular users (50% market share). They offer cellular voice services comprising basic wireless voice transmission services and related value-added services; wireless data services, including SMS and MMS services and wireless Internet services; wireless entertainment services; and wireless financial services. The company has operations in China, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia and the US. Visit www.sktelecom.com for more information.
About WITCOM
Witcom (KOSDAQ: 050640) is a new and innovative industry leader in offering Value Added Solutions for the Telecommunications and the Internet industry. The products of Witcom are deeply related on the mobile infrastructures such as SMS, Telematics Center service and Ring Back Tone, which have led the telecommunications and mobile Internet industry of South Korea and have made it easier than ever to do business with the world. Visit www.witcom.co.kr for more information.
About NMS Communications
NMS Communications, a division of NMS Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NMSS), provides enabling technology and tools for the rapid development and deployment of value-added services on mobile and converged networks. From traditional voice mail and interactive voice response systems to ringback tones, Voice SMS, and interactive mobile video, NMS platforms are used around the world as the foundation for a wide range of revenue-generating video, voice and data applications. Visit www.nmscommunications.com for more information.
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NMS Communications is a trademark of NMS Communications Corporation. All other brand or product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.