Nz’s First Mobile Instant Messaging Service

Xtra Launches Nz’s First Mobile Instant Messaging Service On Telecom 027 Mobiles

Xtra’s launch of New Zealand’s first mobile instant messaging service on Telecom 027 mobile phones is another big step towards combining the power of the Internet with the freedom of a mobile phone.

The new service, called Xtra Instant Messenger, is similar to the popular computer-based instant messaging applications that allow real-time text chats with one or more ‘buddies’.

Xtra Instant Messenger is one of a new range of Xtra Mobile Services now available on Telecom 027 mobile phones*. These include Xtra email, games, the ability to access content such as the latest news, sport and weather information and with the right phone, picture messaging and downloadable ring tones.

Information on the full range of Xtra Mobile Services is available online at xtra.co.nz/mobile

Xtra General Manager Rod Snodgrass says Xtra Instant Messenger on 027 takes mobile text communication to a whole new level.

“Unlike normal texting, Xtra Instant Messenger lets you keep track of when your buddies are around to chat and gives you the ability to chat in real-time. It’s the phenomenon of computer based instant messaging let loose on the streets,” he says.

Xtra Instant Messenger gives Telecom 027 customers with an Xtra email account the ability to have text-based chats with their ‘buddies’ via their 027 mobile phone and even chat with more than one ‘buddy’ at a time. Users can create their own ‘buddy’ list and check when their ‘buddies’ are free, when they’re busy and, if they choose, what they’re doing.

Telecom Mobile General Manager Kevin Kenrick says Xtra Instant Messenger gives half a million Kiwis who already have an Xtra email account the opportunity to communicate in a whole new way with a Telecom 027 mobile phone.

“Xtra Instant Messenger is a genuinely new way of keeping in touch when you are out and about that takes texting to the next level,” he says.

Like many computer-based instant messaging applications, Xtra Instant Messenger also comes with a range of ‘emoticons’ – fun images that conversation participants can attach to their messages to help express how they’re feeling.

Traditional computer-based instant messaging has enjoyed a huge growth in popularity worldwide. In New Zealand, Internet ratings firm RedSheriff reports that MSN Messenger, the most popular computer-based instant messaging application among Kiwis, is used by around 194,000 people everyday.

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