CricketNext.com ties up with Live Relay for global SMS, MMS

Our Corporate Bureau
07 February 2003

Mumbai: Walchand CricketNext.com has announced its strategic tie-up with Live Relay Pvt Ltd, a Pune-based telecom solutions provider, for global SMS and MMS services, commencing with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 in South Africa on 9 February 2003. CricketNext is the official Internet partner for the mega cricket event.

Says CricketNext managing director Sanjay Jha: “Cricket scores and updates are going to be highly popular with the corporate office goers given the instantaneous messaging response, timing of the World Cup matches, and the quality of interactive information and data.“

Adds CricketNext director Pallavi Jha: “The number '2003' is the unique proprietary short code for SMS/MMS usage, stating '2003 is a number you see everywhere, everyday, every time.' Users on GSM networks worldwide will pay normal SMS tariff applicable on their local networks, and receive scores and updates within 30 seconds of the request.“

Says Live Relay vice-president Ashok Aiyengar: “There will also be several subscription-based services like alerts and MMS. We have established a global network arrangement in countries besides India, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and also the US.“

Says Pallavi Jha: “We are offering a minimum of 20 exclusive photographs daily for MMS users at a fee of Rs 99 for users in India for the entire tournament. With CricketNext now offering live streaming, mobile services and Internet content, we have covered the complete convergence model.“

“Besides, there will also be exciting games and contests, albeit only for Indian users — contests like SMS Toss, SMS Score and Guess the Winner, with attractive prizes ranging from caps, T-shirts to a car and World Cup tickets as well,“ adds Aiyengar.