mm02 puts texters in the picture

NEWS mm02 has done a deal with Nokia to provide texters across Europe with multimedia messaging services (MMS). Users will be able to send messages containing sound and pictures for around 30p each, or as part of a flat rate package. Ben Wood, analyst at Gartner Group said mm02 has taken a better approach to its pricing model for MMS than rival T-Mobile which launched its UK MMS service in early April. Wood said: "In order to get people to use these services you need things they understand so charging 30p per message is good. It's accessible and they can try the service out and move onto a monthly package if they like it, unlike T-Mobile which just charges a flat £20 per month." The services will be available in the UK, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands from autumn this year. Content deals have already been signed with a number of partners, including English Premiership winners Arsenal and Champions' League finalists Bayer Leverkusen. A spokesman from mm02 said: "You'll be able to get pre- and post-match info, as well as commentary and pictures of goals." Hallmark, Ringtone Online and Warner Brothers are also signed up. Nokia does not have an exclusive deal with mm02 for the provision of the service. Other companies in the UK including Logica and CMG could be called upon to supply parts of the infrastructure. Handsets for MMS will be available from Nokia, Ericsson and Sharp and will cost between £150 and £220 each.