Frequently Asked Questions
What are the GSMA's Global Mobile Awards and what do they aim to do?
The GSM Awards uniquely offer organisations across the global mobile eco-system the opportunity to showcase the latest mobile products, services and initiatives to the world. The Awards are open to all eligible mobile companies and supporters of the mobile eco-system - GSMA Members, Associate Members and Non-members - as defined in the individual category eligibility descriptions.
The presentation of the awards takes place during the Mobile World Congress the world's largest and leading mobile industry event held annually in Barcelona.
How long have they been running?
Since 1995. The GSMA's Awards will be presented for the fourteenth year in succession during the Mobile World Congress on 17th February 2009.
What is the GSMA?
The GSMA (GSM Association) is the mobile trade group representing the global mobile industry. Its membership includes more than 750 network operators that provide mobile services across more than 218 countries of the world, to more than 3 billion users - almost half the world's population.
Who can enter the Awards?
See eligibility descriptions within the individual awards categories. Essentially, the awards are open to ALL players in the mobile communications eco-system, from mobile operators, manufacturers and industry suppliers to companies from converging industries such as entertainment, financial, automotive, health and the computing sectors, where mobile products and services have been or are being developed. In addition advertising and PR agencies may enter on behalf of clients. All products/services/initiatives/programmes entered must support networks that provide services using the GSM family of technologies eg GSM, GPRS, EDGE, W-CDMA and/or HSDPA mobile networks. For the full details on the Mobile Innovation Global Competition - which are subject to different rules and entry criteria and eligibility - click here.
How do I enter the Awards?
You can enter the Awards online at this, the awards website by completing an on-line entry form. The specific questions you will be asked on this form are also provided within the category descriptions so that you can prepare your answers.
How many Award entries can I submit?
Multiple entries may be submitted. You can enter as many different categories and sub categories as you wish. There is no limit on the number of entries you may submit per category or sub category. Entry fees are applicable for each entry submitted.
Do I have to be a member of the Association to enter the Awards?
No, not at all - the awards are open to members and non-members of the Association, see "Who can enter the Awards?" above
When can I enter?
Entries for the GSMA's Global Mobile Awards 2009 are welcome now - completed entry forms and payment must be received by the closing date of 28th November 2008 (5pm GMT).
Is there an entry fee?
Yes - Entry fees are payable for each entry submitted.
Why is there an entry fee?
The entry fees help cover the costs associated with the administration and processing of the large number of entries received. Fees also contribute towards publicity and marketing the Awards as well as to the awards event itself.
How can payment be made?
On-line payment by credit card is preferred. We accept AMEX, Visa & MasterCard. If credit card payment is not possible, or not the preferred method of payment, you can pay with an international money order made payable to "GSMC Ltd" and sent to:
GSMC Ltd
1000 Abernathy Road, Suite 450
Atlanta, GA 32826
United States of America
Tel +1 678 281 6624
Fax +1 678 281 6601
Are the fees refundable if I decide to cancel my entry?
Entry fees are non refundable once payment has been submitted.
Can I enter the Awards if I am a previous winner?
Yes.
What are the rules for entry?
Will I be sent an acknowledgement and/or receipt for my entry?
On completing & submitting the entry form, you will be sent a Unique Entry Reference number in order to reference supporting material sent in support of your entry, and also in reference to any queries. If you forward supporting material by post for the following categories, please quote the unique reference number on all correspondence:
Category 1: All Best Mobile Entertainment sub categories (as uploaded files)
(For category 1a, should you be shortlisted, a mobile game for download will be requested)
Category 2b: Best Mobile Internet Service (as uploaded files)
Category: 3: Best Mobile Handset or Device (actual handset/device required)
Category 4: Best Broadcast Commercial (uploaded files and physical tapes required)
Category 4b: Best Mobile Brand Campaign (as uploaded files)
Category 5: Best Use of Mobile for Social and Economic Development (as uploaded files)
Please do not send supporting materials for other categories.
Where should I send supporting material for the above categories?
Supporting material for categories 3 & 4a, as above, should be couriered to:
The Awards Administrator
GSMA
1st Floor
Mid City Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6EA
UK
Your Unique Reference Number should be clearly marked on the supporting materials when sent to support your entry. Supporting Materials must arrive no later than Monday 1st December 2008 providing your entry form & payment has been submitted by the closing date.
What formats should I send for video and picture materials?
Supporting video tapes for the Best Broadcast Commercial, Category 4a) should only be submitted in BetaSP PAL, Digital Beta PAL, CD or DVD format. When submitting physical tapes, please supply with an English voice over if possible, or with a text of the English translation of the script.
Supporting files for categories where upload is possible as above should only be submitted in .jpeg (for pictures), .mpeg (for video) or Word for text. If using sound, entries should be submitted with English language voice-overs or if not possible, they MUST be supported by an English translation of the script.
An additional upload facility will be provided via a link in your confirmation email once your entry has been submitted. You will have the ability to upload 3 additional files up to a maximum file size of 10Mbs each.
Will my entry or supporting material be returned to me?
Handsets or devices submitted in support of an entry can be collected after the judging and the awards have been made. These should be collected during the week commencing 2nd March 2009. from:
The Awards Administrator
GSMA
1st Floor
Mid City Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6EA
UK
Will short listed companies be announced - if so, when?
The nominees will be notified prior to the Mobile World Congress in February 2009 in time to make arrangements to attend the presentation ceremony. The winners will be announced at the presentation of the awards (see below).
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be presented at the GSM Association's Global Mobile Awards Dinner on Tuesday 17th February 2009, except for the winners of Category 6, the Technology Awards, which will be presented during the Mobile World Congress programme, where winning companies will have the chance to provide a short presentation to the conference regarding their winning entry. (Details to be confirmed nearer the time).
The GSM Association's Global Mobile Awards Dinner 2009 will take place at the National Palace in Montjuic, Barcelona during the evening of Tuesday 17th February 2009.
How does the judging process work?
Entries will be judged against the criteria outlined in each of the category descriptions and the specific information requested on the entry forms. Assessment by the judges will take place in December 2008 and early January 2009 and discussions and decisions based solely on this information supplied.
Who are the judges?
The panel will be made up of independent judges comprising leading industry and subject matter experts, analysts, journalists and academics. Details will be announced at the close of the entry deadline.
When will the judging process begin?
The judging process begins in December 2008, and final judging will take place in January 2009
When and where does the Awards Ceremony take place?
The GSM Association's Global Mobile Awards Dinner 2009 will take place at the National Palace in Montjuic, Barcelona during the evening of Tuesday 17th February 2009.
How much are tickets for the Awards Ceremony and where can I buy them?
Tickets for the Gala Dinner on 17th February 2009 are available now. Tickets cost £4129 for a table of 10 or £505 per seat.
What is the dress code for the evening?
The dress code for the evening is black tie/dinner suit/tuxedo.
How can my company get involved in the Awards as a sponsor?
Award categories and other elements of the Awards Gala Dinner are available for sponsorship. Obviously, it goes without saying that sponsoring companies will not be eligible to enter the category they are sponsoring.
To find out more, please contact awards@globalmobileawards.com in the first instance. See the Sponsorship section elsewhere on the awards web site.
If I have any further questions regarding entering the Awards, who can I contact?
You can contact the Awards Administrators with any questions you may have regarding the Awards. Email: awards@globalmobileawards.com
Can press or media attend the Global mobile awards dinner?
Press and media are of course welcome to attend the Global Mobile Awards dinner but due to limited space and heavy demand for seats, they would need to book on line here and pay for tickets. Many major operators and manufacturers usually host media at their tables, so you may be lucky enough to be invited to join them if you are a registered journalist attending the Congress.
Where do I find out more about the Mobile World Congress?
You can find out more at www.mobileworldcongress.com
Should I enter the Global Mobile Awards or the Mobile Innovation Global Competition, or both? What's the difference?
The Mobile Innovation Global Competition Awards is a separate but aligned programme with the Global Mobile Awards. It is designed for companies with an annual turnover of less than €20 million Euros. Companies of this size and under are also eligible to enter either the Global Mobile Awards or the Mobile Innovation Awards or both. Please follow this link to the Mobile Innovation Programme.
What are the GSMA's Mobile Asia Awards? How are they different and where do I enter?
The GSMA's Asia Mobile Awards programme is for mobile industry companies supporting Asia wide markets with mobile products and services. Companies that do so can enter both the Asia Mobile Awards and the GSMA's Global Mobile Awards. The Asia Mobile Awards were open from entry from 1st July to Tuesday 30th September 2008. They will be presented at the Mobile Asia Congress in Macau on 18th November 2008. See www.asiamobileawards.com and www.mobileasiacongress.com