RealNetworks Introduces Two New Services in its Ringback Tone Services Suite for Mobile Operators

From CTIA WIRELESS 2008, RealNetworks(R), Inc., the digital entertainment services company, is announcing the upcoming availability of two new services that will extend the reach of its managed Ringback Tone (RBT) services suite. The new Multi-Service RBT Platform will enable service providers to offer bundled personalization services to subscribers, while the Multi-Tenant RBT Service will provide Real's leading RBT service to more users by making it more accessible for smaller carriers. Both services are expected to be generally available in the third quarter 2008.

RealNetworks will add new capabilities to its world-class RBT Services Suite, allowing mobile operators to offer bundled ringtone (RT), RBT, video ringtone and graphic content for combined purchase at a discounted price in one unified storefront. When a user purchases one personalization service, such as a RT, the RBT and video ringtone version of the song would be offered, as well as a related graphic for one bundled price. Real's goal with the platform is to increase discovery and purchase rates for different types of content and provide a richer mobile experience, ultimately increasing customer satisfaction.

All the operator's downloadable content -- regardless of the vendor providing the related service -- will exist in a centralized management system that can be installed on top of the operator's existing mobile download solutions. This could include RT, RBT, graphics and more.

"The number of people who are personalizing their mobile phones with ringtones, wallpapers and ringback tones is growing steadily," said Mark Donovan, chief marketing officer and senior analyst, M:Metrics. "The challenge for operators has been that the bulk of this growth is coming from user-created ringtones and graphics, as phones and their users become more sophisticated. Bundling graphics and ringtones with ringback tones, which consumers are paying for in growing numbers, could help drive new downloads and revenue for mobile operators."

RealNetworks' Multi-Tenant RBT service will provide small- to medium-sized carriers an affordable way to offer subscribers world-class RBT service. A turnkey version of Real's customized RBT Service, this Multi-Tenant service will enable smaller carriers to offer RBTs on their networks with the support of end-to-end service management.

The Multi-Tenant RBT Service was developed to meet the growing demand for RBTs in the global market. According to a recent study from IDC, Worldwide Mobile Entertainment 2007-2011 Forecast, purchases of ringback tones will surpass those of traditional ringtones in 2010(1). The Multi-Tenant Service will allow smaller mobile operators to compete and offer cutting-edge services to their subscribers. It will also attract operators who are currently using packaged RBT software, giving them an opportunity to improve the service they provide to subscribers and allowing them to focus on customer satisfaction and promotion.

"These enhancements to Real's RBT Services Suite demonstrate our commitment to helping mobile operators of all sizes stay competitive and boost their bottom line growth," said Larry Moores, vice president, global marketing and product management, RealNetworks' Technology Products and Solutions division. "Based on Real's market-leading RBT and management services, these solutions will make mobile content accessible to more mobile users and drive market adoption."

A pioneer in the wireless space, RealNetworks was the world's first RBT service provider with SK Telecom in May 2002, and subsequently the first US RBT service provider with a major US wireless carrier in November 2004. Today, Real operates RBT services for more mobile subscribers than any other provider in the world. With more than 26.4 million active RBT subscribers worldwide and a global adoption rate of over 10% -- more than double regional averages -- the company is positioned to score another market success with the introduction of these expanded service offerings.

Real's services are currently available through 89 different carriers in 44 countries worldwide, making them available to 800.3 million subscribers. Real offers wireless providers a comprehensive selection of mobile services including Music-On-Demand, Video-On-Demand, mobile games, personalization features such as RTs, RBTs and Multimedia Ringback Services, and messaging services.

Real will be showcasing both its Multi-Service RBT Platform and Multi- Tenant RBT Service in booth number 4617 at CTIA WIRELESS, April 1-3, 2008 in Las Vegas.

RealNetworks, Inc. delivers digital entertainment services to consumers via PC, portable music player, home entertainment system or mobile phone. Real created the streaming media category in 1995 and has continued to lead the market with pioneering products and services, including: RealPlayer(R), the first mainstream media player to enable one-click downloading and recording of Internet video; the award-winning Rhapsody(R) digital music service, which delivers more than 1 billion songs per year; RealArcade(R), one of the largest casual games destinations on the Web; and a variety of mobile entertainment services, such as ringback tones, offered to consumers through leading wireless carriers around the world.

(1) IDC, "Worldwide Mobile Entertainment 2007-2011 Forecast,"

SOURCE RealNetworks, Inc.