Mobile infrastructure technology provider Starent Networks Corp.'s ST16 multimedia platform is helping Leap Wireless-owned Cricket Communications provide multimedia services to subscribers.

Using ST16, wireless carrier Cricket will be able to enhance its current mobile application offerings such as text messaging, picture messaging and games to better prepare for the next generation of multimedia applications.

The ST16 is a carrier-class platform that combines high capacity, high availability and performance with subscriber and network intelligence, Starent claims.

ST16 is designed specifically for deployment in today's multimedia-enabled network. It provides access, control, and multimedia network functions such as Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN)/Foreign Agent (FA), Home Agent (HA), Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN), Access Service Network (ASN) Gateway and Session Control Manager.

In essence, ST16 allows mobile operators to implement services such as enhanced charging, voice instant messaging (VIM), multiparty audio/video conferencing, streaming or broadcast/multicast video services, push-to-talk, push-to-show and lawful Intercept.

The ST16 features integrated voice, data and multimedia for service flexibility, detailed protocol monitoring, debugging and subscriber statistics, high touch, deep packet inspection for enhanced charging and user understanding.

The multimedia platform is accessed independently. It can be deployed in mobile networks such as CDMA2000, UMTS, WiFi and Mobile WiMAX.