The streets of Barcelona will be red with MINIs throughout this year's Mobile World Congress as Opera Software and MINI Spain have teamed up to showcase their name-sharing products: Opera Mini, the world's smallest and fastest Web browser for mobile phones and the brand new MINI Clubman, a MINI with similar punch under the hood as the original MINI Cooper but with more legroom.

The all-red Opera Mini MINIs will travel in pack formation around Barcelona reminiscent of the famous MINI car scene in the film The Italian Job.

"This is The Catalan Job" begins Jon von Tetzchner, CEO of Opera. "The reality is that Opera Mini and MINI share more than just a name. The products themselves share many great qualities like being small, fast and fun. I personally look forward to riding around town in one. I hear the MINI Clubman has more legroom, so I actually stand a chance of getting in and out of one!"  (Jon is 195cm/6'5" tall)

Opera's customers and media contacts will also get a chance to experience the new MINI Clubman themselves with airport, hotel and conference transfers, and perhaps even the odd mobile meeting on wheels. Opera has promised Keldenich MINI, the official MINI dealer in Barcelona, not to drive the MINIs down any stairs like done in The Italian Job.

"MINI Spain is excited about the partnership." says Albert Soler, Commercial Director of Keldenich MINI. "This will be the first time the MINI Clubman has been out in Barcelona in such numbers, so it's sure to be seen, especially while in Opera red. We think both Keldenich MINI and Opera Mini are a perfect pair. We hope Opera's customers enjoy the ride and remember to buckle up!"

MegaFon has extended its cooperation with Nokia Siemens Networks for the supply of 2G GSM/EDGE infrastructure and network and service management solution. Under the agreement worth 320 million Euros signed between the two companies, Nokia Siemens Networks will also supply its cutting edge WCDMA/HSPA technology and related 3G Core network upgrades to the regions of Russia.

The agreement covers future network extensions and supplies, including GSM/GPRS/EDGE, as well as WCDMA/HSPA solutions from Nokia Siemens Networks. This is a three-year frame agreement until the end of 2010.

The state-of-art next generation mobile network supplied by Nokia Siemens Networks to be constructed in the selected regions will offer subscribers a rich internet experience that will support speeds up to 7.2 Mbit/s with the possibility of further increase up to 14 Mbit/s. This will become a platform for MegaFon portfolio of next generation data services.

Nokia Siemens Networks will also deliver related Services, including network implementation and integration services, project management, competence development training for MegaFon's staff, and technical support services.

"As the leading GSM mobile operator in Russia, MegaFon is determined to invest in advanced infrastructure. This extension shows our commitment to offer superior services to our customers. Nokia Siemens Networks is a partner that understands our vision and has technological expertise and deep experience to help to achieve our goal", says Alexei Nichiporenko, First Deputy of MegaFon's CEO.

"We have been working closely with MegaFon for over a decade and are very pleased with the extension of our cooperation. We are looking forward to supporting MegaFon to enhance the coverage and quality of its advanced service offering and thus strengthen its leadership in the Russian telecom landscape," says Kristina Tikhonova, Head of CBT MegaFon, Nokia Siemens Networks.

Ericsson and Denmark's largest operator, TDC, have signed the largest full-scope managed services contract in the Nordic region. It is the first time an incumbent operator has entered a managed services agreement with such a broad scope. The strategic partnership will see Ericsson manage, develop and modernize TDC's entire mobile network.
 
Under the seven-year agreement, Ericsson will be responsible for the management, operation, network design and performance management of TDC's mobile network, including field operations. Ericsson, through a single-source contract, will also provide GSM/WCDMA radio access and common core network equipment, and a wide range of services to support network expansions, including HSPA upgrades.
 
Ericsson will initially replace TDC's existing radio equipment, including more than 1000 base stations, to implement a single-vendor network. Ericsson will also provide a comprehensive range of professional services, such as network deployment and systems integration.
 
As part of the agreement, about 220 skilled TDC employees will be transferred to Ericsson, further strengthening Ericsson's services leadership and existing services capabilities. The employees will be offered a position in one of the fastest-growing business areas in Ericsson. The contract will come into effect in March 2008.
 
Jens Alder, CEO, TDC, says: "With Ericsson as our strategic partner, we are well placed to build on our leading market position. This contract, the first of its kind for TDC, will allow us to focus on our core business and deliver world-class services to our customers."
 
Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO, Ericsson, says: "We are proud to have been chosen by TDC and entrusted with the end-to-end management, operation and development of the entire mobile network. We will certainly do our utmost to deliver world-class technology services to TDC's customers in Denmark."

Boingo Wireless and Cicero Networks have announced that they will demonstrate mobile VoIP and IM over Wi-Fi on dual-mode handsets using Boingo's Wi-Fi Hotspots at next week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The companies' combined fixed mobile convergence technology is targeted at mobile operators and service providers, who can offer it to their subscribers as a flexible, low-cost calling plan. Subscribers can simply install Boingo Mobile and CiceroPhone wVoIP clients on their Wi-Fi enabled Nokia and Windows Mobile handsets, allowing them to make and receive wVoIP calls at any of Boingo's tens of thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide.

Boingo Mobile software identifies Boingo-enabled hotspots and automatically authenticates users. CiceroPhone is a VCC-enabled multi-mode softphone that intelligently routes calls over Wi-Fi/broadband and cellular networks. Installed alongside Boingo Mobile, CiceroPhone enables wVoIP and IM services and importantly, allows seamless in-call roaming between Boingo hotspots and cellular networks.

Boingo and Cicero have recently partnered with UK Internet telephony provider, Velofone, who bundle Boingo Mobile and CiceroPhone as part of the company's Velofone Mobile wVoIP service for international business travelers.

"The combination of Boingo Mobile's widespread global Wi-Fi network and Cicero's simple-to-use, feature-rich wVoIP client means Velofone Mobile subscribers have access to over 60,000 hotspot locations across 85 countries where they can automatically make mobile VoIP calls, significantly reducing their international mobile roaming costs," said Mark Gordon, CEO, Velofone.

"Boingo Mobile subscribers are already reaping the benefits of an easy-to-use, affordable, and widely covered connection plan on their mobile handsets," said TJ Noto, Director of Business Development, Boingo. "The Boingo Mobile and CiceroPhone combination gives users the flexibility to make and receive inexpensive and unlimited VoIP calls in locations they frequent the most – airports, hotels, and cafés all over the world."

"By using CiceroPhone at Boingo locations, these users can tap into the additional cost savings and flexibility enabled by wireless VoIP very simply and efficiently," said Elaine Treacy, VP of Marketing, Cicero Networks. "Boingo Mobile eliminates any pain associated with using your phone at a hotspot and extends the reach of wVoIP to thousands of public locations."

Agillic, the specialist in Customer Lifecycle Marketing (CLM) is to showcase the latest release of its CLM solution in Barcelona.

Customer Lifecycle Marketing is giving marketing professionals greater flexibility and control to communicate with entire customer bases individually. Most operators struggle connecting with differentiated customer expectations. With CLM, operators are able to treat every customer as their only one by building cost-effective relationships that create real emotional ties.

Agillic's presence at Mobile World Congress will focus on its ability to transform the customer experience across every stage of the lifecycle.  Already deployed by a number of leading operators, Agillic has proved that immediate customer satisfaction is possible by the implementation of fast, proven marketing programmes.  With on-demand deployment options, operators benefit from easy-to-set-up trial solutions.  These are up and running in less than 8 weeks and provide tangible business results in as little as three months. 

"Today's customers want convenience.  They are used to the relevancy and speed provided by search engines.  They expect this same level of accuracy to transcend to all their requirements and at the exact moment they need it" explains Carsten Hyldahl, Agillic's CTO.   "CLM gives operators the ability to interact with customers in real time by instantly acting on customer behaviour.   The results of combining relevance of message with accurate customer timing are powerful – operators already adopting CLM are witnessing significant improvements in retention and ARPU".

Visitors to Agillic's exhibition stand during Mobile World Congress will be able to feel the effect of communicating relevant messages to customers on a 1-to-1 basis, consistently across SMS, the web, mobile portal, direct mail and customer services.   Agillic will be in Hall 1, Stand 1D70 between 11-14 February 2008.  More information on the importance of personalising the customer experience can be found in Gartner's Dataquest Insight Report – "New Solutions to Personalise the Customer Experience".

The latest GSM/3G Market Update published today by GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association, is said to provide a comprehensive overview and status of the current mobile market situation, developments and trends, and confirms the GSM family of systems gained 2.7% market share in 2007 to reach 86.6% of global mobile subscriptions by end 2007

At end 2007 the GSM family reached 2.844 billion subscriptions, with 586 million net additions during the year. GSM continues to drive mobile subscriptions growth in major developing markets, with market share rising by end 2007 in Brazil to 76.5% (63.1% end 2006), in China 91.9% (91.5%), in India 78.9% (76.7%) and in Russia 99.3% (99.1%)

WCDMA increased share of commercial 3G systems to 71% with 202 networks now launched in 87 countries 86% of commercial WCDMA networks have launched HSDPA, with 174 HSDPA networks launched in 76 countries.

73 HSDPA networks entered into commercial service during 2007, and there are 100 commercial HSDPA networks in Europe. Network data downlink speeds are evolving; 3.6 Mbps is the new benchmark for mobile broadband as 65% of commercial HSDPA networks support 3.6 Mbps peak or higher, says GSA.

35 HSDPA networks in commercial service (i.e. 21%) support 7.2 Mbps peak or higher. The uplink is faster.

28 commercial HSUPA networks have launched in 24 countries, with another 24 networks in various stages of deployment. 100 of 174 commercial launched HSDPA networks (57.4%) have also launched EDGE for service continuity and the best user experience.

WCDMA subscriptions including HSPA reached 179 million by end 2007, an increase of 80 million for the year (81% growth). WCDMA, including HSPA, has almost two-thirds market share of global 3G subscriptions.

The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), which represents more than 550 member companies worldwide, has today announced it has partnered with the Irish Mobile Messaging Forum (MMF) to launch the Mobile Marketing Association Ireland (MMA Ireland). MMA Ireland will be chaired by Eamon Hession, CEO of Púca and former chairman of the MMF.

MMA Ireland's member companies include Vodafone, O2, Meteor and 3 as well as a variety of Irish technology and services companies.  MMA Ireland will work to promote industry guidelines and best practices in mobile marketing and help build a sustainable ecosystem for the mobile marketing industry in Ireland, as well as globally.  MMA Ireland will become part of the MMA EMEA regional chapter.

Eamon Hession, CEO of Púca and chairman of MMA Ireland welcomed the move, commenting, "Becoming part of the MMA is an important step forward for the Irish mobile marketing industry. MMA Ireland will represent all branches of the industry, from mobile operators to those working in the mobile marketing sector.  Irish companies will now have a direct input into setting the European and global mobile marketing agenda. The MMA is the primary body devising and promoting standards in mobile marketing worldwide, including Bluetooth marketing, mobile Internet advertising, SMS and other new forms of permission-based mobile marketing. Our goal for Ireland is to emerge as a world leader in innovation and best practices in mobile marketing."

"Ireland has played a significant role in international mobile development, particularly in the areas of mobile applications, technology, research and mobile marketing expertise. We are always looking to align ourselves with the industry's leaders to ensure we are achieving our global goal of educating and evangelising the mobile channel for marketing purposes.  We look forward to working with our newest membership companies in Ireland to develop our global industry," said Laura Marriott, president of MMA.

MMA Ireland members will have access to a number of global MMA services and benefits, including codes of practice, research activities, seminars, conferences and policy development.  MMA Ireland will also have an honorary seat on the MMA's EMEA regional board of directors.  MMA membership is open to companies, academic institutions and individuals actively engaged in the global mobile marketing industry.

Norwegian mobile search engine, Sesam, has teamed up with mobilePeople to offer its users a wider choice of search options. Sesam's users can now conduct mobile searches through a new downloadable mobile search tool (java client) as well as via the existing Sesam mobile browser mechanic. Both services are powered by mobilePeople's liquid platform.

Once the user has downloaded the Sesam application it sits on the mobile phone like a desktop icon on a PC. The solution utilises a single search box approach. When users type in a search term, mobilePeople undertakes a search across all data sources including images, newspaper articles, global and local web-sites, blogs, maps and TV programme overviews returning the results by category. Search results like businesses and people can be viewed on a fully realised map based on mobilePeople's liquid MAPs technology.

"Research shows that mobile users engage freely with both methods of search. This is why we've decided to introduce a dual mobile search strategy," said Bjørn Tveiten, Head of Mobile Search at Schibsted Søk. "By introducing the downloadable search client to expand on our search offering we're further cementing our position as market leader. We've enhanced our mobile search strategy to ultimately drive more mobile traffic and aide our user retention."

In 2007, mobilePeople announced the introduction of banners and sponsored links into Sesam's existing browser-based searches. So, the launch of application driven mobile search further enhances this ongoing relationship.

Jens Andersen, CEO and co-founder of mobilePeople commented: "The mobile search market is blossoming and companies need to adopt more holistic strategies in order to successfully monetise.  One size simply doesn't fit all anymore.  Some users prefer a browser-based approach to search, others are more comfortable with a downloadable application. We believe that by offering more ways to access search – companies will massively drive user loyalty and repeat searches."

Launched in 2005, Sesam has quickly become a top mobile web destination for mobile users in Norway.  It currently enables in excess of 30,000 mobile searches a day and helps 150,000 users a month find the information they are searching for on the move.

ZTE Corporation, a provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, has signed a global deal with Hutchison 3G UK to make its 3G modems available to all Hutchison operating companies.  

Under the agreement, ZTE will deliver its HSDPA MF622 modem to 3UK and 3 Ireland to enhance H3G's efficiency of its supply chain capability.  ZTE's MF622 modem supports a signal boosting technology called ‘Receive Diversity', a feature that improves cell efficiency and data throughput rate, particularly under ‘edge of cell' conditions.  Cell efficiency is particularly important to operators, as more data traffic is allowed to pass through a cell. It boosts receiver signal strength and consequently reduces the energy required to be transmitted to any given subscriber. This increases a network's subscriber capacity which can be translated into significant cost savings.

"Indeed, it is an excellent opportunity to extend our collaboration with H3G. The deal is a big step for us to capture a significant share of the broadband communications equipment market in Europe", stated Mr Li Yingfeng, General Manager of ZTE WCDMA handset lineups.  "We are providing H3G's operating companies 3G modems that will allow them to leverage their network investment and compete effectively in a business which traditionally has been dominated by the fixed-line operator."

The two companies started collaborative partnership in late 2005 when they signed a 3G handset supply agreement.Prior to that, ZTE worked closely with Hutchison 3G for a year to develop the handsets.