ICE to Improve Cell Data Service

The transmission of data on mobile cellular handsets is expected to improve for ICE's GPRS subscribers through the use of mobile gateway middleware from Synchronica. ICE is the former telecommunication monopoly now facing competition from the private sector.

Named "Synchronizate," the middleware will aid in adding new push functionality to ICE's Acelera Webmail service. This service will be provided free for GPRS users.

Synchronica's Mobile Gateway has full device capability by using built-in e-mail and synchronization found in many handsets as well as providing e-mail to MMS and SMS messaging. CEO of the England-based Sychronica, Carsten Brinkschulte, explained, "The Mobile Gateway provides push e-mail on literally all handsets, enabling operators to extend data services successfully to the mass market.

Synchronica also has a research facility in Germany. Grupo ICE was established in 1949 as a state monopoly on electrical generation and telecommunications including land line phones and, later, Internet services and cell phones. A 2007 law opened ICE's monopoly on cell phones and Internet servers to the private sector.