So as to bring the benefits for evolving and new technologies to the subscribers, COAI has played a pioneer role in deployment of Mobile Instant messaging solution across all GSM networks (both Public and Private Sector) in the country. Mobile Instant messaging service has been classified as next generation of Short Messaging Service (SMS).

Instant Messaging (IM) can be broadly defined as "an Internet protocol (IP)-based application that provides communication between users that are simultaneously online". Instant Messaging is a means of text communication between person to person (or multi-person) / members of a predefined group. It is characterized by various features, like interactive nature of text dialogue box and presence, which allows users to see whether other members on their contact list are online and available (or not) to engage in communication.

Mobile instant messaging in India is a classis example of true Public-Private partnership, where all nine, both public as well as private, GSM operators in the country have joined hand to ensure expansion of telecom horizons through implementation of interoperable Mobile Instant Messaging Services.

Mobile Instant Messaging service is expected to gain popularity as it provides a real time, fast-paced, multi-party conversation environment. It helps people to stay in constant touch with their groups and also allow them to exchange text and other multimedia features like emoticons, pictures, tunes, etc This application thus enhances connectivity for the subscribers.

Further, Mobile Instant Messaging is a unique solution that caters to multiple consumer requirements. Besides providing anytime anywhere connectivity, MIM also supports enhances security features to block unwanted messages. Further, Mobile Instant Messaging platform can be extended to enable Secured Mobile Money transfer.

In India, COAI was mandated by all the service providers to spearhead and coordinate this project for implementation. COAI followed a detailed and transparent procedure for deployment of MIM Solution.

The solution has been successfully installed across all Public and Private GSM operators after series of tests were carried out to check the stability and robustness of the servers deployed for the purpose. Soft Launch of the MIM Service was successfully carried out by Shri. D. S. Mathur (IAS), Secretary DoT & Chairman Telecom Commission on January, 15 2007.

Thus, the subscribers would benefit from initiatives taken by COAI to introduce new technologies like Mobile Instant Messaging and Mobile Money Transfer.

Further, considering the huge potential of the MIM services in India, COAI in association with GSMA organized a focused half-a-day workshop on Mobile Instant Messaging on September 21, 2007. The Workshop focused on Identifying & Explaining Markets Trends for MIM, Identifying Strategic Options for developing market for MIM Services, Forecasting future of MIM in India, Business Cases for deployment of MIM, focusing on improvement of Social Networking & user generated content for MIM and most importantly working out mechanism for Collaborative awareness program – concept selling.