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GSMA Names Spanish Mobile Operators to Launch joyn Services
[December 03, 2012]

GSMA Names Spanish Mobile Operators to Launch joyn Services


Dec 03, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- The GSMA announced that Movistar, Orange and Vodafone, three of Spain's mobile network operators (MNOs), have launched Rich Communication Services (RCS) through the consumer-facing brand joyn to their customers.



With this launch, Spain can offer a fully interoperable rich communications solution, supported by Movistar, Orange and Vodafone, to its mobile subscribers.

According to a release, joyn services enable customers to chat and enrich messaging or voice calls by exchanging images or video simultaneously during calls, in a private and secure manner, with any member of their contact list that has joyn, regardless of the user's network or mobile device. Additional services such as voice over IP (VoIP) or IP-video call will be introduced in the near future. These services may be used on both the operators' mobile networks and on Wi-Fi networks.


"The GSMA is delighted that joyn services are now available across Spain, giving customers a greater choice of communication possibilities without compromising the quality and security they have come to expect from their mobile operator," said Michael O'Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. "This initial implementation of a new technology clearly required a major effort and strong leadership in the alignment of the ecosystem of manufacturers, developers and integrators, and operators. Consumers across the world will benefit from the leading efforts of these three operators in Spain." GSMA said Movistar, Orange and Vodafone are initially offering joyn services through an application for Android, with a version for the iPhone to follow shortly. Spanish mobile subscribers can now download joyn through app stores, and they will soon be able to purchase several joyn-embedded devices that have completed rigorous interoperability testing with the three MNOs. In order to use the joyn brand, devices have to complete the interoperability testing and pass a certification process, ensuring the quality, privacy, security and ubiquity of the services. joyn-embedded devices are expected to be available in retail outlets at the beginning of 2013.

"In developing this interoperable solution for their customers, the operators have also been able to share the experience and learnings gained with other operators as part of the RCS programme, helping to reduce the time-to-market for the service," continued O'Hara. "joyn services are available now from individual operators in Germany and the United States; further nationwide, cross-operator implementations are expected in Germany this year and in several other European countries during 2013." More information: www.joynus.com www.gsma.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected]))

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