Europe Sweden: Videomail is fast emerging as one of the killer applications for 3G technologies, according to Mobeon, the IP messaging software vendor. Mobeon has videomail contracts supporting more than 4 million end users globally, with the potential to generate an extra $125 million a year in revenue for operators.

Videomail has become a key aspect of any third generation multi-media service and presents telecommunications service providers with an opportunity to grow revenues from existing customers, according to the Mobeon figures.

“As operators seek to claw back the significant sums of money spent on 3G licences, it appears that multi-media services are starting to pay dividends,” said Huw Hampson-Jones, CEO of Mobeon. “Adding videomail to regular video telephony services increases the usage uptake as well as operators’ revenues. Using Mobeon’s IP-based messaging platform to support the rollout will ensure operators keep control of services and have the power to develop them further.”

“Our latest customer using Mobeon software, an operator based in South-East Asia, is currently planning its video mail launch,” continued Hampson-Jones. “Consumers there have been quickest to take 3G services onto the streets. With the Chinese population alone expected to buy more than 400 million handsets between now and 2009*, and with video clients now standard equipment on the new handsets coming to market, the potential for these services is huge.”

Mobeon’s videomail service is easy for the operator to install and configure. And adding Mobeon’s consumer analytics tools to the messaging platform gives operators a greater insight into which type of user is using which messaging service. This information can then be used to design and deliver new services that can be implemented quickly using the IP platform.