Telefónica Reaches an Agreement with Conectel-Kodiak to Launch “Movistar Movitalk” in Latin America

Telefónica, one of the leading global telecommunications operator, has selected the Conectel-Kodiak “Push and Talk” solution for deployment within their operations in Latin America. Conectel will use Kodiak Networks’ solution, and will add their experience in marketing Telecommunications services throughout the region.

As per the agreement, Telefónica will progressively launch the "Movistar Movitalk" service in Latin America. This solution works as a “walkie talkie” enabling instant calling to both individuals and predefined groups. Furthermore, the service enjoys the added benefits of having broader coverage by virtue of working over existing mobile networks and providing higher quality of service (due to service delivery over the voice network).

The incorporation of Movistar Movitalk in Telefónica’s portfolio of services presents a huge opportunity in the region due to the growing popularity of community-oriented social networking applications, including presence and messaging. With the addition of this service to its regional offer, Telefónica will be the largest provider of “push and talk” services in Latin America.

The new service, now available in Ecuador and Peru, will be implemented today in Mexico and progressively during the coming months in the other Latin America countries where Telefónica is present.

Luis Miguel Gilpérez, Head of Mobile Business Telefónica Latin America, said, “We continue to see growth in all our businesses and believe that Movistar Movitalk will extend our leadership in the mobile market, given the growing popularity of community-oriented applications in the region. Our customers require more choices and advanced functionalities to satisfy their communications needs and this service meets these demands.”

“Kodiak is very pleased to be a technology partner with these leading companies. This immediate, wide-spread deployment demonstrates the continued success of our “push and talk” solution and differentiated service offerings,” said John Vice, President and CEO of Kodiak Networks.

Enrique García Viamonte, CEO of Conectel, said, “Push and talk has been proven to increase customer loyalty. With this launch, Telefónica will accelerate the growth of this solution in the region.”

About Telefónica

Telefónica ( www.telefonica.com) is one of largest telecommunications companies in the world measured by market capitalization and number of clients worldwide. Its activities focus primarily on fixed and mobile telephony with broadband as a key tool for development of both businesses. It is present in 25 countries and has a client base of 264 million accesses worldwide. Telefónica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company concentrates, its growth strategy.

Telefónica has been present in Latin America for almost 20 years, a region where today has over 160 million accesses. Telefónica is the leading operator in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru, and develops an important activity in other key markets in the region such as Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Uruguay and Venezuela.

About Kodiak Networks

Kodiak Networks ( www.kodiaknetworks.com) provides wireless operators with a comprehensive mobile solutions portfolio proven to increase revenue, promote group-based communications, and improve customer loyalty and retention. The Kodiak Connected Portfolio is comprised of mobile solutions targeted at Business and Consumer segments; an integrated mobile applications suite; and client-based, clientless, and downloadable/pre-loadable user interfaces for open OS and embedded devices. The Portfolio components are based on the Kodiak Real-Time Exchange (RTX), a flexible, standard-based, multi-generational IMS compliant platform, which easily scales from independent operators to multinational carriers utilizing 2G or 3G networks. Kodiak customers span the globe and include deployments in North America, Europe, India, Latin America and Asia/Pacific.

About Conectel

Property of Telecomm Properties S.A. based in Panamá with offices in Caracas (VEN.) and Fort Lauderdale (USA) and with strategic partners in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Guatemala and México, Conectel is a company focused on the development of new technologies in the wireless area. Conectel has expertise in market development, having enjoyed more than 35 years promoting wireless business and operations. Conectel is managed by international top professionals with shareholders that include former executives of TELCEL-BELL SOUTH, UNISYS, and EGC GROUP.