 29 Nov. - 5 Dec. 2000 |
 |
 |
          |
|
|
 |
|
 Vodafone launches SMS flash Running parallel with what many expect to develop into an all-out price war between Malta’s mobile communications operators, Vodafone Malta appears to have fired the opening shot in what may become a product and service war in the sector – in the form of an SMS (Short Message Service) value added service launched barely two months after the successful launch of SMS. This new feature, branded as SMS Flash, allows customers of Vodafone Malta Ltd, to pull an SMS message onto their mobile phone from anywhere in Malta and overseas anytime. Joe Grioli, Managing Director of Vodafone Malta Limited commented at the launch "…SMS Flash is a fast, easy and cost-effective means of receiving text messages that contain varied and interesting information, including news, foreign exchange rates, closing rates for equities and sports among others, on mobile phones. It allows you to receive the information you want when you want it." SMS Flash works simply by sending a blank SMS from any mobile phone to a particular number. In a few seconds’ time, a message will be received back with the relevant information. A blank message to number 2000 will provide a complete list of SMS Flash numbers. Vodafone Malta Ltd is providing this service with the assistance of specialist content providers such as Globe Financial Stockbrokers (2020) for Malta Stock Exchange closing prices, Thomas Cook (2112) for exchange rates, Allied Newspapers (2222) for news updates and Lotto and Super 5 results (2223). MaltaMedia.com are providing sport results for local, international (2345), Italian Serie A (2346) and UK Premier football results (2347). In most cases the news, be it the latest from the local scene or sport results are available shortly after the event to provide the latest hottest news possible. They are available 24 hours seven days a week. On a lighter note there are also jokes, trivia and entertaining stuff (2001), a weekly fortune forecast (2401) and on number 2000 there is a list of all available SMS Flash numbers. Mr Grioli added "…the new SMS Flash provides instant infotainment to all Vodafone customers and is a useful feature that will keep all our customers updated with the latest information, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. This service is set to expand in the coming days as further services, all providing a wide and varied range of infotainment, will be added for the benefit of the customers." According to Mr Grioli "…this service (SMS Flash) is also a business enabler which offers marketing people the chance to interact directly with their clients to keep them informed anywhere anytime with information about various subjects, bargains they may have or publish light entertainment news which people can use to relax with such as tips on travelling, music etc… SMS Flash is a techno savvy solution for businesses who want to be on the forefront of m-business." The service is competitively priced. Contract customers pay 5 cents, including VAT, for each outgoing message. E-Talk subscribers need to have their SMS time window open, which enables them to send unlimited SMSes for a weekly time window of Lm1. Vodafone in conjunction with the content providers sends the information to customers for free—all the customer pays for is a regular SMS message. More information can be obtained by calling Vodafone Malta Customer Care on telephone number: 482820, sending an e-mail to [email protected] or by visiting Vodafone Malta website at: www.vodafonemalta.com | ||||||
| |||||||||
The Business Times, Network House, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 07
Tel: (356) 382741-3, 382745-6 | Fax: (356) 385075 | e-mail: [email protected]