RealNetworks and Idea Cellular extend partnership for Ringback Tone (RBT) Service in India
Mumbai, India–November 22, 2016 – RealNetworks®, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNWK), the US-based digital entertainment services company, today announced an extended partnership with Indian mobile services operator Idea Cellular, to deliver Ringback Tone (RBT) services to mobile subscribers in Gujarat, Rajasthan, UP West, UP East, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Kolkata, Assam and North East.
Idea Cellular is one of the top three telecommunications operators in India, and the sixth largest globally in terms of single country operations.
According to Mr. Sashi Shankar, Idea Cellular’s chief marketing officer, “The partnership with RealNetworks will enable our large customer base in key markets to access globally advanced, innovative and affordable service features.”
“We are pleased to extend our partnership with Idea Cellular as the preferred RBT provider,” said Max Pellegrini, president of RealNetworks. “Since 2012, we’ve been helping Idea Cellular’s subscribers enjoy state-of-the-art, reliable and fun RBT services. Through this collaboration, we’re now able to grow our presence even further in the Indian market.”
RealNetworks, in partnership with other carriers around the world, manages more than 18 million active global RBT subscribers across tier-one markets in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. In 2002, RealNetworks' WiderThan Division launched the world's first RBT service with SK Telekom in South Korea.
RealNetworks has been expanding its business in India since the company opened its office in India in 2005.
About RealNetworks
RealNetworks, Inc. creates innovative products and services that make it easy for people to connect with and enjoy digital media. RealNetworks invented the streaming media category and continues to connect consumers with their digital media both directly and through partners, aiming to support every network, device, media type and social network. Find RealNetworks corporate information at www.realnetworks.com.
RealNetworks and its respective logos are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of RealNetworks. Other products and company names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners.
About Idea Cellular
IDEA Cellular is India’s 3rd largest national mobile operator, with over 185 million subscribers. With traffic in excess of 2 billion minutes a day, Idea ranks among the Top 6 country operators in the world. With a spectrum portfolio of nearly 900 MHz in FDD and TDD bands, Idea has a national wireless broadband footprint. Using the latest in technology, Idea provides world-class service delivery through the most extensive network of customer touch points. Idea is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.
IDEA Cellular is an Aditya Birla Group Company, India's first truly multinational corporation. The Group ranks Number 4 globally and Number 1 in the Asia Pacific in the 2011 Top Companies for Leaders (TCFL) study conducted by Aon Hewitt, Fortune (the Global Business Magazine) and the RBL Group. It operates in 36 countries, and is anchored by more than 120,000 employees belonging to 42 nationalities. More information on Idea Cellular is available at www.ideacellular.com and on the Aditya Birla Group at www.adityabirla.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to expectations regarding the RealTimes features and functionality, and future uses and partners. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted include technological factors, consumer acceptance, and competitive factors such as the emergence of new entrants in the market. More information about potential risk factors that could affect RealNetworks' business is included in documents filed by RealNetworks from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which are in effect as of their respective dates.
Media Contacts
Paige Kenny
pkenny@shiftcomm.com
SHIFT Communications
415-591-8423