Starmap Mobile Alliance was a preferential service agreement signed in February 2004 [1] by a group of European GSM cell phone providers to provide their customers with easier and more economical roaming services and to create synergies when buying equipment. [2]
The main advantages for Starmap customers are no-prefix dialing when abroad (CAMEL roaming), topping-up by vouchers and the availability of MMS picture messaging services and GPRS data access even when roaming.
The original members were (February 2004):
- Amena, Spain (left after acquisition by Orange )
- Telefónica Europe, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany
- Orange, Austria (formerly known as One)
- Pannon GSM, Hungary
- sunrise, Switzerland
- Telenor, Norway
- Wind, Italy
In March 2004, Sonofon of Denmark and in September 2004 O2 of Czech Republic (formerly known as Eurotel ) joined the alliance. [3]
The Starmap Mobile Alliance was the original Idea of the strategy international advisor Arie Guez, president of Fantine Group. The alliance faded after 2009. [4]