The mobile industry unveiled plans to bring instant messaging (IM) to cell phones later this year to tap a new source of revenues and build on the success of text messaging, Santosh Menon reports.
Fifteen of the world’s top mobile operators, including Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile, Telefonica and China Mobile announced plans to roll out PC-type instant messaging services initially targeting some 700 million mobile users.
But the service will not be free, and mobile operators plan to charge clients using the familiar “calling party pays principle”, under which users pay for sending messages but not for receiving them.
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This looks like another reason to go Windows Mobile as a Messenger Client is built in and can be used without paying more above a base data plan.
- Posted by Simon DrewThat’s not big news: mobile IM will replace the SMS system which is both expensive and too basic.
The biggest operators don’t want to see the SMS money leave their pocket, we can all understand this. That’s why they’re thinking about doing something in common.
There’s an alternative though: Crickee.
Crickee is an independent firm and its IM software will soon be compatible with most of the phones currently on the market.
I’m part of the Crickee team. Visit our website http://www.crickee.com and let us know what’s on your mind about mobile IM !
- Posted by Alexandre Joint