YELL.COM
launches SMS directoryYELL.COM Launches First
Cross-Network Classified Directory SMS Service 09
November 2002 Yell.com has launched an innovative
text message service, which for the first time delivers a range of
key classified business information across the UK's main mobile networks.
Yell.com by Text offers classified directory information
searches for eleven popular business and service types covering the
most common needs of mobile phone users whilst on the move or in the
event of an emergency. The pioneering Short Messaging Service (SMS)
offering reflects Yell.com's commitment to provide new and flexible
ways for consumers to access its database of business listings as quickly
and conveniently as possible. The service enables
mobile users to request and receive details of companies such as Taxis,
Florists, Takeaways and Locksmiths, by SMS – anytime and anywhere.
Users on the main mobile networks can access more than 100,000 businesses
across 30,000 UK locations via a single number, 80 248, and have a
choice of results sent direct to their phone quickly and discreetly,
24 hours a day. The service costs 25p per request, and represents the
first user-pays model from Yell.com.* Mobile phone
users request information simply by sending a text message with the
required business type and location (e.g. taxi EC1 or taxi Holborn)
to 80 248 via the messages function of their handset. In return, Yell.com
will send a reply as a single message – up to 160 characters in
length - with contact details of local businesses. Dr.
Eddie Cheng, e-Business director at Yell.com, said: "The UK has
embraced the text message and made it one of the most popular ways
to communicate. We have recognised this and as a result have developed
a service which enables users to access our Yell.com data via text.
It's more flexible, less intrusive and more discreet than a telephone
call and can be used in situations with a lot of background noise such
as busy bars and clubs. http://uk.yell.com/mobile/text/
* Mobile network operator rates apply to sent messages.
Each text from Yell.com is charged at 25p. This adheres to ICSTIS
guidelines on Reverse-Billed Premium Rate SMS.
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