AutoPage, SA`s third largest cellular service provider, has appointed JSE-listed Accord Technologies as a value-added provider of a new information service for customers.
From October 3, AutoPage subscribers can receive, directly on their cellphones, a personal selection of data information services. Options include weather, traffic, sports - Rugby World Cup news will be featuring strongly - and mainline news, horoscopes, events, theatres, restaurants, car hire, horse and motor racing results, in addition to a range of business-oriented information.
Jose dos Santos, managing director of AutoPage, is up-beat about the future of this new technology.
"Early trials of similar services were well-received in the US. We`re delighted to be the first cellular service provider in SA using Accord`s revolutionary technology to offer our customers a full-service cellphone-based information service.
"Accord has impressed us, not only with its command of this technology, but also with its innovative and creative ideas for future developments. We are launching with a wide range of services, but this is only the beginning of a major development in mobile, wireless information services."
AutoPage is using Accord`s Datagate g-mail server technology, which enables data to be sent over the mobile network, to `push` information to customers` cellphones.
Brandon Saldsman, CEO of Accord Technologies, says the deal with AutoPage is the beginning of a recurring income stream for Accord, based on delivering these technologies, and will substantially add to the Group`s future earnings.
"A pilot carried out during the Cricket World Cup when subscribers were provided with up-to-the minute game scores, gave users an taste of what is now possible in mobile technology. AutoPage`s new service extends this to incorporate other useful information services," comments Saldsman.
Dos Santos believes that the service is realistically priced. A basic service offering updated weather and news reports will cost around R10 a month. Customers will be able to select from a bouquet of information service offering to meet their individual requirements.
The service is currently available only to AutoPage contract customers, and will be extended to pre-paid subscribers within the next two to three weeks.
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