|
Redwood City, CA and Bern, Switzerland December 12, 2006 – Swisscom Mobile, the largest mobile operator in Switzerland announced today the addition of SMS capabilities to the Ogo service. Ogo was originally launched by Swisscom Mobile in October of 2005 and has since then become one of the best selling mobile data devices in Switzerland, underpinning the success of this innovation by Swisscom Mobile.
"The Ogo was a successful launch and has proven to be a wonderful data service for the youth mass market" said Dr. Thomas Walke, Head of Voice and Messaging at Swisscom Mobile.
"Our users have repeatedly asked us to upgrade the service and allow them to use Ogo's QWERTZ keyboard for SMS. We listened to them and worked with IXI Mobile to upgrade the service and give our users the functionality they need" Thomas said.
"We consider Swisscom Mobile a valued partner that has demonstrated an outstanding capability to launch a revolutionary service and reach a critical market penetration in a very short period of time. We are delighted to work with Swisscom Mobile in upgrading the service, and bringing more functionality to Ogo's customer base in Switzerland" said Amit Haller, President and CEO of IXI Mobile. "Because we can upgrade the Ogo software over the air, consumers can gain access to new applications and enhancements. They will never need to deal with complicated download procedures, or antiquated software" said Haller
"We were truly pleased by the speed in which the service in Switzerland grew" said Haller, "Because of its form factor and rich experience, Users in Switzerland generate more instant messaging traffic on their Ogo than on their personal computer"
Ogo devices deliver a true on-the-go mobile messaging experience with their large screen, QWERTZ keyboard, easy-to-use interface and clamshell design. The Swisscom offering includes the following services: MSN Instant Messaging, email, contact, and now, SMS. The device retails at 1 CHF with a 24 months contract. It comes at a monthly flat rate of CHF 19,- for unlimited IM and email and pay as you go tariff for SMS.
About Swisscom Mobile
With a market share of around 64 per cent, Swisscom Mobile is the market leader in the Swiss mobile communications sector. In 2005, Swisscom Mobile generated a turnover of CHF 4.168 billion and currently has more than 4.56 million NATEL® subscribers. Swisscom Mobile is a public limited company with Swisscom Ltd holding a 75% stake and the British Vodafone Group Plc the remaining 25%.
The company operates a nationwide GSM network (900/1800 MHz) which was enhanced with EDGE in spring 2005. Swisscom Mobile now supplies around 90% of the populated areas of Switzerland through its UMTS network. With HSDPA, Swisscom Mobile is the first network carrier in Switzerland to operate a new turbo network. It is now already about five times faster than a UMTS network. This means that its speed is comparable to that of an ADSL connection. In addition, the company provides wireless LAN Internet access at around 1000 hotspots.
This unique technology mix is the basis for a comprehensive mobile broadband network that enables high-quality mobile communication services. Swisscom Mobile provides numerous UMTS-based services such as mobile TV and video telephony. For data communication there is the Unlimited PC Card 5in1 which allows access to all mobile networks, always selecting the fastest connection automatically and seamlessly. Additionally, Swisscom Mobile offers notebooks with mobile technologies and SIM card already integrated.
Natel® subscribers not only enjoy optimal network coverage anywhere in Switzerland but they can be reached all over the world, thanks to over 400 roaming partner networks.
www.swisscom-mobile.ch
About IXI Mobile
IXI Mobile, Inc. offers solutions that bring innovative, data-centric mobile devices and services to the mass market. IXI Mobile's Ogo devices are designed to improve the mobile user experience and increase mobile voice and data usage. The company provides a turn-key solution to mobile operators and Internet service providers worldwide to launch and support Ogo products.
IXI Mobile is headquartered in Redwood City, California, and has research and development facilities in Israel and Romania. IXI Mobile also maintains regional sales offices. For more information on IXI Mobile, please visit www.ixi.com.
On February 28, 2006, IXI Mobile and Israel Technology Acquisition Corporation (ITAC) (OTCBB: IXMO, IXMOW, IXMOU) entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of ITAC would merge with and into IXI Mobile, with IXI Mobile surviving the merger and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of ITAC. Upon consummation of the merger, ITAC will change its name to IXI Mobile, Inc. and IXI Mobile will change its name to IXI Mobile (USA), Inc.
About Ogo
The Ogo family of devices delivers popular applications, including email, instant messaging, SMS, RSS, voice and Web browsing on optimized, easy-to-use handheld devices for a true on-the-go mobile messaging experience. Ogo was launched in the United States by AT&T Wireless (now Cingular Wireless), Switzerland by Swisscom Mobile, Turkey by e-kolay.net., Germany by 1&1, and Uruguay by ANCEL. More information on Ogo is available at: www.ogo.com.
|
