Movial Powers IP Communication in Russia

By Bob Emmerson, TMC European Editor

Movial announced that MegaFon, a large Russian MNO, has launched “MultiFon,” a comprehensive mass market integrated PC, mobile and Web communications service that is powered by Movial Communicator. With the potential to reach more than 150 million subscribers, MultiFon will be one of the largest IP communication services in the world. The converged service is available on PCs, Mobiles, including VoIP on mobiles, Web-browsers, and other devices such as USB phones.

MultiFon gives users “mobile phone” functionality across all their devices, including voice, video and VoIP on mobile calls, voicemail, SMS, MMS, IM, presence, contact list management, networked address book and an integrated shopping tab, all connected to a single mobile phone number. The service was developed and deployed based on a Teligent (News - Alert) platform, which is a convergent solution that includes SIP, IN and IM elements in an IMS architecture.

In addition, the service removes converged communication hassles and complexity. Subscribers get a single monthly bill tied to their single phone number for mobile phone, PC and Web calls and it includes free video calls. Having a single recognizable phone number across all devices facilitates caller ID and unlike Internet-based VoIP providers, users need not worry about credit card charges as costs are added to their statement. The new service, which is offered at no cost to subscribers, can be downloaded to a PC. Alternatively it comes pre-installed with MegaFon's (News - Alert) netbook offer.

"Movial is proud to have been selected as MegaFon’s technology partner and to have successfully delivered the communication user experience that powers the innovation the MultiFon service delivers to subscribers,” said Jari Ala-Ruona, CEO of Movial (News - Alert). “MegaFon has effectively taken on the Internet VoIP players and seriously raised the bar in creating an integrated customer experience for its subscribers and we applaud their push to offer IP communications services to their mass market."

(source: http://voip-phone-service.tmcnet.com/topics/mobility/articles/111581-movial-powers-ip-communication-russia.htm)