Pocket IT is pleased to announce that it has launched a number of location based SMS services with Telenor Mobile, the largest operator in Norway. The end-user services include nearby services, weather forecast and entertainment services.
Pocket IT is the first service provider in Norway to introduce location based SMS end-user services with Telenor Mobile. Pocket ITs relationships with the mobile operator allows Pocket IT to launch services based on the Telenor Mobile SMS-C and get access to their premium billing system and positioning system. Pocket IT has already introduced location based services with Telenor Mobile through the launch of WAP services in April 2001. The positioning system used is based on Cell ID + TA, allowing users to be positioned down to 200 meter in accuracy.
"Telenor Mobile believes that SMS location based services will accelerate the usage of value added services and Mobile Internet, and we are pleased to have a strong partner in Pocket IT, says Lars Christian Iuel, head of the External Service Markets division in Telenor Mobile.
The nearby services include points of interests, such as coffee shops, ATMs, gas stations, liquor stores, pharmacies, 7-elevens, and restaurants. The users can specify the type of restaurant by including the kitchen nationality searing for in the SMS. The weather forecast service gives the users two options, either to get forecast for the next 24 hours or for the next 4 days.
In addition, Pocket IT has created some entertainment and fun services. As an example, the users can send his or hers gender in the SMS and get back where he or she is located and where the "dreamprince" or "dreambabe" could be. Because of the high volume and demand for "fun" services in the SMS market in Norway, Pocket IT believe these type of services that are both time killing and fun services for the youth, could give Location Based Services a "boost" in usage. Pocket IT has hired a creative team, to innovate these new types of SMS services for the youth market.
"We are very pleased that Telenor Mobile has chosen our company to be the first content provider to launch SMS location based services, and we are strong believers that with this launch, we can confirm the interest and revenue potential of LBS." says Petter Nyborg, CEO of Pocket-IT.
Pocket IT will be aggressively marketing the services on a daily basis, in the most used media channels for value added SMS services, such as leading newspapers, cartoons and gossip magazines. The services will cost NOK 8 (EUR 1) for the end-user, which is being billed directly on their regular mobile phone bill. The services are accessed by sending the keyword "HVOR" (means where) followed by the Point of Interest (POI) or keyword to Pocket ITs number 19830. The user will then get an SMS back a few seconds later with the result. Pocket IT will in the next few months also launch "smart" routing services for SMS, that can be accessed through various distribution channels. Pocket IT has also started trials on EMS and MMS, the next generation SMS, which allows images larger than a "logo", such as maps to be sent to the mobile.
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