Mobestar, a leading provider of mobile video applications and content, has today announced a partnership with Fantastic 1, SA`s leading provider of mobile services and technology. Under this agreement, Fantastic 1 will promote Mobestar`s Video Content Server (VCS) community application and mobile-enabled video clips to provide turnkey mobile entertainment packages to South African network operators.
Fantastic 1, based in Umhlanga, South Africa, is a leading provider of messaging infrastructure to both the mobile network operators and a number of enterprise clients and B2C application providers. Fantastic 1 has connectivity, including billing, into the three mobile network operators in SA: Vodacom, MTN and Cell C. It also has inter-connect agreements with 550 network operators in 170 countries in the world.
There are an estimated 23 million subscribers in SA, of which approximately 80% are prepaid customers. Data services contribute 4% to 5% of revenues to South African mobile network operators and Fantastic 1 would use Mobestar`s community application and video content to increase the average revenue per user (ARPU) and improve customer loyalty.
Mobestar`s VCS is a wireless community platform, enabling like-minded people to communicate with each other through their mobile. Using this service Fantastic 1 will be able to offer South African network operators access to a wide range of community-based services, starting initially with a 3G video dating service.
Fantastic 1 will also have access to Mobestar`s entire catalogue of mobile-enabled video clips, which were originally developed for the European market, including horoscopes, exercise tips and recipe guides. Fantastic 1 also plans to distribute this content through the main network operators in SA.
"3G is really starting to be seriously considered by both consumers and business users here in SA," explained Nisaar Ally, Managing Director, Fantastic 1.
"Mobestar can instantly provide us with a turnkey 3G services and content package which will enable us to exploit most of this growth and quickly capitalise on our strong relationships with the network operators in SA."
"Our partnership with Fantastic 1 will enable Mobestar to extend our video content and applications into a market with tremendous potential for growth," said Peter Richards, CEO, Mobestar. "Fantastic 1`s WASP (Wireless Application Server Provider) status with operators such as Vodacom, MTN and Cell C is a huge advantage for us."
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Mobestar was established in February 2004 to specialise in and exploit the opportunities emerging from the roll-out of 3G mobile networks around the world. Mobestar brings network operators, aggregators and content providers together by developing compelling 3G services and content for business and consumers.
Mobestar is developing video-based services such as video dating, horoscopes, competitions and other lifestyle and entertainment applications. The company is privately funded and is based in Guildford, Surrey. For further information, please visit www.mobestar.com
Fantastic 1
Fantastic 1 prides itself as the best technology and service offering to its clients, and can provide many ways for communicating, delivering and streaming to the mobile handset in SA. Fantastic 1`s corporate office is situated in the heart of Umhlanga with support offices located in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Fantastic 1 is an approved WASP (Wireless Application Service Provider) for all mobile networks in SA and is also affiliated with WASPA and other major internationally recognised organisations. The company abides by strict rules and regulations in the industry and does not tolerate spam.
Fantastic 1 is also the only gateway provider to the mobile networks that is affiliated to "Proudly SA" and a black economic empowerment company (BEE). The affordability, security, interoperability and ease of use for all Fantastic 1 solutions will revolutionise the mobile industry in SA. Visit www.fantastic1.co.za
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