SMS.ac and IDC to Provide Survey Data and Analysis On Mobility Trends In Near Real-Time

NEW ORLEANS, March 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- SMS.ac and IDC today announced a survey partnership to provide on-demand wireless market intelligence and analysis utilizing research derived from a global community of wireless technology users. The two companies will collaborate on a series of projects examining key topics impacting the mobile industry. The result will be the industry's most far-reaching research and analysis based on information gathered from mobile handset users in more than 170 countries.

"This survey partnership with SMS.ac will provide IDC with rapid access to a highly valued segment for targeted research -- the world's largest mobile community," said Randy Giusto, group vice president for Clients and Mobility research at IDC. "Any enterprise with an aggressive mobile initiative needs to understand the latest industry intelligence before it can proceed with confidence. Such intelligence can now be produced in near real-time as a result of this collaboration."

SMS.ac will survey its community members and IDC will analyze, interpret, and report the results. The compiled data on the attitudes and behaviors of mobile handset users from around the world will be utilized by enterprises seeking to predict future trends and consumer preferences and spending habits before forging and executing key mobile strategies.

"Obtaining data from a large sample group is a significant accomplishment, but it is the analysis of the data that will guide companies toward successful market strategies," said Greg Wilfahrt, executive vice president at SMS.ac. "In terms of understanding and interpreting global market data, IDC is unsurpassed. Their ability to track and predict trends and behavior, coupled with on-demand access to consumer attitudes and preferences, makes this survey partnership between SMS.ac and IDC a must have for anyone seeking a deep understanding of mobile usage trends."

In the first SMS.ac-IDC survey, mobile phone users were asked about their attitudes regarding the potential use of mobile phones by passengers on airplanes in the future. Nearly two-thirds of the 45,612 respondents replied that they would welcome in-flight phone use, but not for voice calls. And 25% of poll participants did not want mobile phones used aboard planes at all.

In a related survey, 52,564 registered SMS.ac users weighed-in on which wireless data services they would use most while in flight. Over half the participants answered that they would use their handsets for messaging (texting, email, etc.), while other popular uses included multi-player games (11%); meeting others during flight (9%); purchasing items via sky magazines or from other sources (7%) and gambling (6%).

About IDC

IDC is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries. IDC analyzes and predicts technology trends so that its clients can make strategic, fact-based decisions on IT purchases and business strategy. More than 775 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide local expertise and insights on technology markets, and our management team is comprised of experienced and respected industry luminaries. Business executives and IT managers have relied for more than 40 years on our advice to make decisions that contribute to the success of their organizations.

IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com

About SMS.ac

SMS.ac, Inc. is a mobile data communications company whose proprietary MMSbox(tm) platform enables the interoperable exchange of mobile multimedia (MMS and SMS) and micro-transaction billing across all mobile standards, protocols and the Internet. A demonstration of the MMSbox platform is available at www.sms.ac

With more than 30 million self-registered mobile consumers in 170+ countries, and connectivity to more than 400 mobile operators worldwide, SMS.ac is host to the largest community of mobile phone users in the world. Through its global initiatives, SMS.ac is igniting the widespread adoption and use of wireless data. To view the SMS.ac corporate web site, visit www.sms.ac/corporate

All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT:
SMS.ac
Greg Wilfahrt
Executive Vice President
+1 (619) 696-7300
prcomm@corp.sms.ac

IDC
Jonathan Guloyan
Marketing Director
(508) 935-4296

Nokia 6230i

The high-resolution screen (208 x 208 pixels) of the Nokia 6230i is an ideal backdrop for rich multimedia content. It displays colorful pictures taken by the built-in 1.3 megapixel camera with a 3 x digital zoom. The video recorder of the Nokia 6230i allows users to record videos of up to one hour, based on the storage of the MMC card included in the sales package.

Push to talk technology complements the feature set of the Nokia 6230i camera phone. It allows users to connect to others -- be it a group or an individual -- over GPRS, similar to using a walkie-talkie. Several operators worldwide have introduced push to talk services for consumers. The triband Nokia 6230i camera phone will be available at an estimated retail price, excluding taxes and subsidies, of 350 EUR

For music lovers, the Nokia 6230i has a built-in stereo music player which supports several digital music formats, such as MP3, M4A and AAC. Now, favorite tunes from a CD library can easily be converted via PC software and loaded directly onto the Nokia 6230i. An FM radio with Visual Radio nicely rounds out the audio features of the Nokia 6230i.

Nokia 6021

The new Nokia 6021 phone is equipped with a range of contemporary technologies for personal and business demands. An affordable business-oriented phone, the Nokia 6021 enhances connectivity and synchronization with Bluetooth wireless technology.

With a subtle and practical design, the Nokia 6021 phone fits all daily occasions. Consumers will enjoy the many added features of the Nokia 6021, including push to talk technology, and voice activated dialing. The tri-band Nokia 6021 will be available at an estimated retail price, excluding taxes and subsidies, of 200 EUR.

Both, the Nokia 6021 and the Nokia 6230i camera phone easily connect to an office PC for convenient contact and calendar synchronization. Additionally, both models can take advantage of the broad range of available Nokia enhancements such as headsets and car kits via Bluetooth wireless technology.

Nokia 6030

The Nokia 6030 phone offers everything consumers need to stay in touch -- at a very desirable price. In a classic design, the Nokia 6030 fulfils consumers' main communications needs. It will be available for an estimated retail price, excluding taxes and subsidies, of 150 EUR.

The reliable Nokia 6030 has easy messaging functionality and very good ergonomics. The color screen displays incoming multimedia messages with images from friends or family. With alarm and calendar functions, the Nokia 6030 phone ensures important dates are not forgotten. The built-in FM radio helps to fill the downtime, while personalized wallpapers and ring tones give each phone an individual touch.

The new Nokia Wireless Plug-in Car Handsfree

Düsseldorf, Germany/Espoo, Finland - With the new Wireless Plug-in Car Handsfree HF-6W Nokia is bringing the field of in-car communication solutions on a new level by introducing Speech Tracking Technology with the aim of attaining sound quality excellence*. The exceptional audio clarity is achieved by using an array of four microphones. The concept of multiple microphones is widely used in recording studios. Thanks to Nokia advanced software algorithms it is possible to discern the speaker and largely eliminate the background noise.

Uwe Schmitz, Senior Product Manager, Nokia Automotive says, "The easy-to-install Nokia Wireless Plug-in Car Handsfree sets new standards in audio quality with the first ever use of Speech Tracking Technology in such class of device. Like all Nokia Automotive products it looks good, is easy to use and provides value for money."

Wireless handsfree unit - easy to install
To install the Nokia Wireless Plug-in Car Handsfree is simple, it just plugs into the vehicles's cigarette lighter socket and connects to a compatible mobile phone wirelessly using Bluetooth** technology. The Nokia Wireless Plug-in Car Handsfree supports Bluetooth Handsfree Profile (Specification 1.0) .

In addition to the basic speech functions such as answering a call, ending a conversation and adjusting the volume, the integrated features also include a small charger cable for compatible mobile phones***. When charging is completed, remove the cable from the phone and it will automatically retract into the housing, just like the power cord on your vacuum cleaner.

The new Nokia Wireless Plug-in Car Handsfree HF-6W is expected to be available in Europe, Asia and the US from the second quarter of 2005.

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.