G027 And Get Xtra Services On Your Mobile

G027 And Get Xtra Services On Your Mobile

Connecting Kiwis to the possibilities of the Internet has taken another big step forward, thanks to today's launch of Xtra mobile services on 027 Telecom mobile phones.

In a first for New Zealand, the new range of services includes mobile instant messaging. Xtra Instant Messenger is similar to the popular computer based instant messaging applications, offering text chats with one or more 'buddies'.

Other Xtra services for 027 mobile phones include Xtra email, games and the ability to access content such as the latest news, weather and information. In addition, with the right phone, customers will also be able to access picture messaging and downloadable ringtones.

Information on Xtra mobile services is available online at xtra.co.nz/mobile

Xtra General Manager Rod Snodgrass says the launch of Xtra Mobile Services on 027 is significant because it gives Kiwis who already use Xtra email and online content a simple and convenient way to access Xtra's most popular services when they're out and about.

"Xtra is New Zealand's leading provider of email and New Zealand's most-popular website. With Xtra Mobile Services now on 027, over half a million Kiwis who have a Xtra email account and the hundreds of thousands who visit our website every week can get the Internet stuff they've told us they want right on their mobile phone," he says.

"Now no one has to stay tied to their computer if they're waiting for an email or wanting to keep an eye on the latest news or weather. With Xtra Mobile Services on 027 you can take it all with you."

Mr Snodgrass says the ongoing success of Xtra Super 12 on 0272 provided a useful insight into the kind of mobile services Kiwis want.

"The success of Xtra Super 12 on 027 is further proof of the demand for the new Xtra services as it connects fans to the game in an entirely new way. Whether they are at the game itself, watching it on TV at home, or on a big screen with friends at a bar, they can use their mobile to get closer to the action."

General Manager of Telecom Mobile Kevin Kenrick says the launch of Xtra Mobile Services on 027 gives New Zealanders what they want in the way they want it.

"We've learned that New Zealanders want to access their email on their mobile but don't necessarily want another email address to do so. We've taken a winning online formula and made it mobile," says Mr Kenrick.

According to a survey of 027 mobile users carried out in September 2002 by Phoenix Research, email, weather information, picture messaging and downloadable ringtones are the mobile Internet services that appeal most to mobile phone customers.

Mr Kenrick says: "These kinds of innovations are made even more compelling because 027 is New Zealand's fastest and most secure mobile network. High security standards are particularly important for business customers wanting to access their messages while they are out of the office. As for superior network speed, it's not just about being able to get to the content you want quicker, although that is significant. More importantly it will allow us to offer content in the future that customers wouldn't otherwise be able to access via a mobile.

"As good as all these services are however, the breakthrough application of the mobile Internet won't be any single service on its own. The real breakthrough is simplicity meaning customers can use their 027 mobile to get straight to the services that are relevant to them," he says.

With the launch of a more relevant range of mobile Internet services from Xtra, Telecom is replacing services delivered via the Djuice mobile portal. 027 customers who have used a Djuice email address will be offered an upgrade to Xtra email to enable them to enjoy easy access to their email on their 027 mobile.

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