NZ's First Mobile Phone Directory is Launched

MobilePages.co.nz Launches NZ's First Mobile Phone Directory Targeting 2.4 Million Mobile Phone Users

Free listings designed to boost registrations from business and consumers

AUCKLAND - New Zealand's first ever dedicated mobile phone directory, www.MobilePages.co.nz, will be launched today with online registration available free of charge for the 2.4 million mobile phone users throughout the country.

According to Gillian Taylor, director, Mobile Pages, the company's extensive market research has shown a clear need in the market for a dedicated mobile phone directory. "With the ubiquity of mobile phones among New Zealanders of all ages and socio-economic groups, the current market offerings are limited by their primary emphasis on landline accounts. Mobile phone users are demanding a mobile specific search facility," she says.

Following nine months planning and development, the Mobile Pages directory is targeting both business and consumer listings. "The free online registration gives businesses the ability to list mobile numbers for each member of staff with no cost incurred," explains Gillian Taylor. "Current directories charge for each listing, which places practical and cost restrictions on each business, resulting in incomplete listings. Internet registration also allows the flexibility to update records instantly."

Mobile Pages anticipates having 100,000 registrations in the first three months. Revenue will flow from advertising, promotions, sponsorship and call centre directory income. Once established in New Zealand, Mobile Pages will deploy the same model in Asian markets, including Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The registration drive will be supported by a national advertising campaign targeting all users of mobile phones including large companies, small businesses, youth and consumers. The campaign includes a number of prize draws to encourage registration by mobile phone users.

Free online searches will be available immediately through the Mobile Pages website, while a call centre directory service will be launched in November

About MobilePages.co.nz Mobile Pages is owned by Patelecom Ltd, a fully New Zealand owned company. The principals of Patelecom have 80 years combined experience in the telecommunications and IT industries and are backed by a team of qualified Internet professionals. Company directors include Gillian Taylor, formerly of Telecom New Zealand, and Todd Goggin, formerly of Vodafone.

Gillian Taylor has more than twenty years' experience in senior management and consultancy roles for companies in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Her experience includes 10 years with Telecom New Zealand, where she held Senior Planning and Strategy roles. She has expertise in business modelling, governance, as well as developing e-business strategies.

Todd Goggin has 18 years' experience in the New Zealand telecommunications industry with companies such as BCL, Clear Communications and Vodafone. He has been involved in the establishment of several Internet related businesses, in addition to developing and launching mobile prepay in the New Zealand market for Bellsouth.