Mobile technological innovator Comvik International Vietnam AB has employed the services of forumline Consulting to address Comvik’s development of its Internet based distribution services.

Comvik’s CEO Mr Simon Perkins stated: “Comvik needed an independent eye to advise on our approach to Internet based marketing. forumline was engaged to apply its specialist knowledge of electronic distribution and e-commerce."

As part of the overall assignment for Comvik, forumline provide the market analysis for its SMS based automatic re-charging system for its MobiFone pre-paid phone cards, Comvik’s leading mobile phone brand. This Internet based payment system will be the first automated solution in the Vietnam mobile market.

In addition, forumline provided its Programme Management proficiency in the market research, strategisation, and blueprinting of the new Web/WAP MobiFone Portal. The MobiFone Portal is designed to provide the most sophisticated Value Added Services (VAS) to its mobile subscribers. Aside of delivering a wide range of services such as e-mail, Ringtones, WOS, and MMS, a primary feature of the Portal will be the delivery of the latest GPRS technology, which is a forerunner to “3G”.

Mr John Shirley, VAS Manager for Comvik, thanked forumline for the professional efforts of Mr Meraj Huda (Principal Consultant for forumline) in getting the MobiFone Portal project off the ground. Mr Shirley added: “Using a structured approach, Mr Huda took us from the critical concept stage through budget approvals, to the detailed Tender. Mr Huda’s methodology included the delivery of the Market Analysis, Quality Plan, Project Plan, and the detailed Product Description."

Mr Huda stated that: “Comvik/MobiFone are leaders in innovating the mobile sector in Vietnam. We are pleased to have provided them the foundations to develop their new VAS Portal, which will be a significant revolution in Vietnam’s mobile sector."

The new MobiFone Portal www.MobiFone.com.vn will be activated towards the end of 2003.

 About Comvik & VMS 

Comvik International Vietnam AB is a member of the Millicom International Cellular SA, a multi-national telecom corporation that operates mobile phone network across Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa.

Established in Vietnam in 1995, Comvik entered into a Business Cooperation Contract (BCC) with Vietnam Mobile Telecom Services Company (VMS). The purpose of the BCC is to develop the first GSM/GPRS mobile network in Vietnam. As assessed by the Vietnam Post and Telecom Corporation, the BCC between Comvik and VMS is the most successful telecom BCC in Vietnam to date.

With its worldwide experience in deploying and developing GSM networks, Comvik is very proud to provide Vietnam with a state-of-the-art mobile network. So far, the MobiFone network has been successful in providing Vietnamese customers with a range of services suited to business and personal needs. These efforts have led to a fast-growing number of Vietnamese who have used the MobiFone network. By April 2003, this number exceeded 1 million.

Comvik has been bringing into full play its strengths as a technological innovator, making continuous contribution to the socio-economic development of Vietnam in general and the growth of local post and telecom industry in particular.

In the longer term, Comvik intends to continue investing in Vietnam to expand, develop and upgrade the MobiFone network. One key step on this path is the deployment of GPRS. With significantly increased data transfer speeds GPRS paves the way towards 3G or third generation mobile network technology.

For more information, please visit the websites at
www.comvik.com.vn
www.mobifone.com.vn

Or contact:
Mark Procter
Commercial Director
Tel: +84 4 831 5150
Email: mark.procter@comvik.com.vn

forumline provides independent IT&T Management Consultancy solutions, specialising in the Airlines, Travel, Tourism and Telco sectors. forumline is designed to nurture businesses through the precise and cost-effective application of business and technology consultancy.

forumline has over thirteen years of international Travel and IT&T experience, and its services include:

• Marketing management & Strategic planning
• Internet Solutions
• Product development & management
• Global Distribution Systems (GDS) analysis
• Data Centre, Hosting & DRS analysis

forumline has an established list of major suppliers from the IT&T and Travel sectors to provide its clients the most appropriate and independently selected solutions to suit their business needs.

For more information, please visit www.forumline.com

Or contact:
Meraj K Huda
Principal Consultant
Singapore: +65 9864 8584 (m) or +65 6559 9484 (o)
GSM: +61-414 654 616
email: meraj_huda@forumline.com