Russian mobile operator Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) plans to launch a suite of internet services based on the Vodafone 360 platform. The two mobile operators already have a marketing agreement which has seen MTS offer other Vodafone services and devices on the Russian market. The 360 service will be adapted to the Russian market and integrate a customer's social networks, email and mobile content. The commercial launch of 360 from MTS is planned for Q4. 360 from MTS provides a suite of internet services for the mobile and PC which gathers all of a customer's friends, communities, entertainment and personal favorites (like music, games, photos and video) in one place. All of a customer's contacts, status updates and messaging services are brought together. 360 customers will have access to content from MTS as well as to applications from the global community of developers publishing for Vodafone 360. There are already around 9,000 mobile applications in the 360 Shop. MTS will be leveraging Vodafone's affiliation with both JIL and WAC to give Russian developers access to the global development ecosystem Vodafone has created for 360. Engagement with Russian developers will ensure that users of 360 from MTS will have a rich local apps offering. 360 services are compatible with over 100 handsets already in the market. They include most manufacturers and most operating systems. The services come either pre-embedded or free to download. MTS also plans to launch a range of new phones with 360 services preinstalled as well as exclusive, bespoke 360 phones.
