LG Arena users can expect more MMS options

The growth in multimedia messaging (MMS) is an exciting development for advertisers and those in the marketing industry – and one which could benefit the consumer, it has been advised.

With more smartphones hitting the market like the Apple iPhone 3G S, Nokia N97 and LG Arena, a spokesman for the Mobile Data Association (MDA) has highlighted the many ways in which businesses are reaching out to customers.

Steve Reynolds, chairman of the non-profit organisation – which represents and promotes operators, manufacturers and other firms working in this sector – said MMS revenues were likely to see substantial growth based on the various developments currently taking place.

He explained that many companies have now realised there is a rich vein of options available to them that can get their message out to the consumer in a very unique way, adding this is something more entrepreneurial businesses are taking advantage of.

However, he added it was important for such targeted strategies to take into consideration the needs of the customer – and that systems where free tariffs are exchanged for subsidised advertising would work if the right options are available.

One such facility he suggested was “instead of you just saying ‘I’ll have a free tariff and you can send me six SMS’ a day’, you can agree to an opt-in and say ‘this is the sort of person I am and this is what I’m looking for’”.

Earlier this week, analysts at Juniper Research reported that MMS revenues would attain annual growth rates of up to 94 per cent over the next five years.