FAQs about MMS

• What is the difference between Bulk Operator MMS and Bulk Direct MMS?
• Can MMS be sent to handsets on all networks?
• What are the throughput rates for MMS?
• How much does it cost to send MMS?
• Do all handsets support MMS?
• What does the .zip file contain?
• Is it possible to set up an MMS test account?
• Is further Technical Documentation available?

What is the difference between Bulk Operator MMS and Bulk Direct MMS?

Bulk MMS is not premium MMS; both the Bulk Operator MMS Service and the Bulk Direct MMS Service are used to send MMS messages to end users at standard charges. Pricing of MX Telecom's Bulk MMS Sending Services can be seen here:

• Bulk Operator MMS Service Pricing
• Bulk Direct MMS (with Bulk Operator MMS) Service Pricing

Operator MMS is sent through MX Telecom's connections to mobile operators' MMS Centres (MMSCs), before being delivered to the end user's handset. The end user does not have to pay for downloading the message as the cost of this is covered by the content provider.

Direct MMS is routed through MX Telecom's Virtual MMSC before being delivered straight to the end user's handset. Unlike Operator MMS, the end user does have to pay for downloading the message. Direct MMS is therefore cheaper than Operator MMS for content providers, but the end user has to pay to receive MMS messages.

Can MMS be sent to handsets on all networks?

Operator MMS is available for all UK networks, namely O2, Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, 3 and Virgin Mobile.

Direct MMS cannot be sent to handsets on Orange or 3, who block this on their networks. If using the Bulk Direct MMS Service, when MMS messages are sent to end users who are on Orange or 3, Operator MMS will be used automatically in place of Direct MMS.

What are the throughput rates for MMS?

Operator MMS has slower transmission rates than Direct MMS, although Operator transmission rates will be much faster in the future.

The current throughput of Operator MMS is very slow, at only a few messages per second. In contrast, it is possible to send 100s of SMSs/second, and therefore, in effect, the same transmission rates for Direct MMS are possible.

How much does it cost to send MMS?

The cost of sending Operator MMS is more than for Direct MMS because, with Operator MMS, the content provider must cover the download charges (GPRS fees) in the overall cost of the service. This is because the end user receiving the MMS message does not have to pay for downloading it, whereas with Direct MMS they do pay for downloading it.

There are no set up fees for MX Telecom's MMS Sending Services. Full details on Pricing can be seen here:

• Bulk Operator MMS Service Pricing
• Bulk Direct MMS (with Operator MMS) Service Pricing

Do all handsets support MMS?

Most colour screen handsets do support MMS. However, there are problems with MMS on some handsets, particularly older ones. This can depend on the content types that the message contains, the size of the MMS and the fact that not all handsets support SMIL (such as older Nokias, e.g. Nokia 6800)

What does the .zip file contain?

Using the HTTP Interface, the .zip file will contain each of the different parts of the MMS (e.g. .gif, .jpeg files etc.), along with the .smil file and a manifest file (named manifest) which describes the contents of the file. This file will be in java properties format.

The .smil file controls the layout of the MMS (similar to html) and this is what is used to format the message. It pieces together the MMS files in the order that the end user sees, and combines them into a single stream so that the display is properly time coordinated and synchronised.

Is it possible to set up an MMS test account?

MMS Test accounts can be set up for potential customers within a matter of hours (much the same as with MX Telecoms Bulk SMS Service). Please contact sales@mxtelecom.com or call 0845 666 7778 (+44 845 666 7778).

Is further Technical Documentation available?

MMS Technical documentation relating to the technical specifications for sending MMS can be viewed here.

About MX Telecom MX Telecom is a leader in wireless technology. MX Telecom offers an easily accessible gateway to data, voice and video messaging services including 2-way and premium SMS, multimedia messaging, interactive voice response, location-based services, video short codes, Internet and TV related solutions. For more information, MX Telecom can be reached on 0845 666 7778, or via email at sales@mxtelecom.com.