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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Busy Consumers To Take The Weather With Them Through Launch Of Multi-Carrier Messaging Product
ATLANTA, October 18, 2004—Consumers now have yet another option when seeking trusted weather information from The Weather Channel (TWC). Today, the company announces the launch of a multi-carrier, mobile messaging product that allows consumers to seek out the weather information they need, on demand, with no monthly commitments.(1)
Weather-watchers simply text message the zip code or city name for which they wish to receive a reliable 36-hour weather report to “4CAST” (42278). The Weather Channel then instantly delivers the requested information directly to the user’s mobile phone. Additionally, consumers who enjoy spending time on the water and understand how important it is to have updated and reliable reports while sailing can access a specialized marine forecast. To receive these reports, boaters enter the word “sea” along with the closest zip code or city name before sending the text message to “4CAST.”
This new service, which was developed in conjunction with Telenor Interactive, a pioneer in premium text messages and a leading provider of mobile interactive services, is the latest edition to TWC’s growing list of products and services designed to reach consumers anytime, anywhere through the device of their choice. Since nearly 90 percent of wireless consumers now have the ability to send or receive text messages via their mobile phones (2), TWC wanted to ensure that these consumers had the opportunity to connect with the respected company through this popular method.
“We are very excited about the launch of our most convenient mobile product,” said Louis Gump, director of mobile products and services for The Weather Channel Interactive. “We wanted it to be as simple as possible while simultaneously offering the geographical breadth of weather.com to a wireless handset. With this launch, the vast majority of consumers with text message-enabled phones can enjoy instant access to the weather information they need, when they need it, so that they can be better prepared.”
This new product will be demonstrated by Telenor at CTIA’s Wireless I.T. and Entertainment Conference in San Francisco—beginning with the pre-conference Mobile Entertainment Summit on Sunday, October 24.(3)
“Both Telenor and TWCi have similar goals—to deliver innovative mobile products and services to busy consumers,” said Steinar Svalesen, CEO of Telnor Interactive. “We are pleased to present this product to our industry colleagues at CTIA next week.”
About The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel, a 24-hour weather network, is seen in over 87 million U.S. households. Its Web site, weather.com, attracts 25 million unique users per month and is consistently ranked among the Top 15 of all Web sites by Nielsen//NetRatings. The Weather Channel also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour, all-local weather network distributed to almost 8 million households, The Weather Channel Radio Network, The Weather Channel Newspaper Services and is the leading weather information provider for emerging technologies. The Weather Channel is owned by Landmark Communications, Inc., a Norfolk, VA-based, privately-held media company.
About Telenor Interactive
Telenor Interactive, an interactive media company, develops and implements innovative mobile applications based on cross-carrier premium messaging capabilities. The company is a fully owned subsidiary of Telenor Venture, the venture unit of Telenor ASA (Nasdaq: TELN). Telenor ASA is an international telecommunications company headquartered in Oslo, Norway. In 1999, Telenor pioneered premium wireless text messaging and allowed audience interaction for European media productions through the introduction of new innovative business models. Telenor Interactive (www.telenor-interactive.com) is spearheading Telenor's introduction of interactive mobile services and cross-carrier premium text messaging in the United States.
(1) There is a charge of $0.75 per delivered message. Subject to carrier participation, fees and restrictions.
(2) Jupiter Research, Wireless Marketing Opportunities, 09/04
(3) For more information, please visit http://www.telenor-interactive.com/pressrelease/pr051004.asp
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