PlayFon Gets Foothold in the Rising Asian Market
Skip contentAugust 25 2005
PlayFon, a leading global provider of mobile entertainment, has recently joined the Hong Kong Wireless Development Center (HKWDC). The HKWDC is devised by the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA) as a flagship project to disseminate the awareness, development and usage of wireless application technology in Hong Kong. It aims as a regional wireless and mobile applications hub in Asia Pacific to attract investments and talents from around the world. It has acquired support from the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), HKSAR, quasi-government organizations, and all parties in the wireless industry. Covering 3000 square feet, it comprises well-equipped software development suites and a spacious product display area at Cyberport, a symbolic representation of leading edge Information Technology (IT) and Hong Kong as a digital city.
“The Asian mobile content market is very rich in new ideas and innovative technology solutions. We believe that participation in the activities of the HKWDC will help us to develop new projects and establish connections with some key market players. Unique experience gained in Asia will serve us a good stead in the markets where PlayFon is already present - Russia, Ukraine and Western Europe”, PlayFon Vice-President Vladimir Borodin said.
Among core tasks of the HKWDC are information and technological support for its members and business consulting, as well as offering a technical platform to test new services and applications. In addition, HKWDC sets up meetings with large regional content providers and operators, and organizes business trips to take part in industry conferences and trade shows in Mainland China and other regional countries.
The specifics of the HK market makes it an ideal testing ground for development of products adopted for both Asian European markets. HK mobile penetration is over 118%, with six mobile operators serving seven million HK citizens via eleven networks. Industry analysts point out to the interest Hong Kongers traditionally show in mobile communication and infotainment. On the other hand local users are highly exigent and set very high quality standards for their products and services.
“The mission of our Centre is to make Hong Kong a major mobile and wireless technology development hub, as well as attract investment and talents from all over the world. We are pleased that PlayFon, an experienced leading mobile content provider working in rapidly developing Russian and Western European markets, has become the first Russian member of HKWDC. We are confident that our cooperation will be mutually beneficial and useful for the development of PlayFon’s business, as well as for the mobile content and service industry in Hong Kong” HKWDC Marketing Manager Eric Lo said.
To date, PlayFon already provides services to over 165 million subscribers in Russia, Ukraine, the UK and Sweden. The company is planning to expand its presence in Scandinavia, the Baltic states and Kazakhstan.
About PlayFon:
PlayFon, an international provider of wireless entertainment offers a wide range of services in Russia, UK, Sweden and Ukraine. PlayFon is a true leader of Russian mobile game market. The company is listed among Top10 Russian content-providers. PlayFon was first to introduce Java and mophun games, video and ringtones in MP3 format in the Russian market of mobile content. For additional information, please call +7 (095) 783-0525 or visit us at http://corp.playfon.com.
