RealNetworks, the digital entertainment services company, has announced
an agreement with Indias largest telecommunication company, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), to provide the first-ever deployment of
emoticonSMS services in India later this year for BSNLs 39 million
subscribers.
Once a subscriber signs up for the service, emoticonSMS automatically
converts his or her SMS text messages into SMS emoticons using keyword
recognition technology.  Subscribers can choose from 4,000 emoticons in
500 themes, making it simple to create unique and personalized messages
for each of their contacts, every time.
emoticonSMS is another value-added service that makes traditional SMS
more engaging and fun,” says Jay Kim, Vice President, APAC & Music
Business, at RealNetworks. This agreement helps position BSNL as a
market leader for value-added services in India.
Reals 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, games, video,
personalisation features such as ringtones, ringback tones and
multimedia ringback services, as well as messaging services. 
Real is showcasing emoticonSMS and all of its mobile entertainment service offerings in booth number 4617 at CTIA.