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Go-ahead for Eircom fixed line texting

  • 22-01-2003 7:42pm
    #1
    molinaalexis
    Closed Accounts Posts: 159 ✭✭


    EIRCOM has been allowed to proceed with its new fixed line text messaging service after agreeing with the telecoms regulator and other licensed operators (OLOs) to provide a wholesale price whereby the latter can offer a similar service.


    Eircom has also agreed to pay compensation to competitors based on their market share in the form of a percentage of sales of the product, although the incumbent still has about 95pc of the fixed line market. None of the parties involved would comment on the wholesale price agreed.


    It will apply until the end of April, when a formal agreement on the cost to other OLOs, or its competitors, is expected to be decided with Eircom.


    Last year, Esat BT lodged an official complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority against the incumbent, relating to the company's ongoing promotional campaign of a new fixed line text messaging product.


    Eircom continued to advertise the phones after the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) blocked the launch of the product, as the company did not provide operators with a wholesale price.


    From today, Eircom 4012 users will be able to send and receive text messages and can access the text to speech facilities.


    It is understood that customers of OLOs with the new phones will also be able to access the new service.


    Eircom is charging customers 8 per text from fixed to fixed line and 10 from fixed to mobile.


    Mobile to fixed charges will be established by mobile operators.


    Over two billion text messages are sent in Ireland every year and Eircom is keen to take a piece of the action.


    "Our research in this area is very positive, indicating that up to 50pc of mobile texts are made from the home and this percentage increases substantially to 74pc amongst 14-to-24-year-olds," said Joseph Collum, marketing director at Eircom.



    Ailish O'Hora


Comments

  • #2
    Fergus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 532 ✭✭✭Fergus


    One can't help thinking these ritualistic legal tiffs between eircom/Esat/ODTR are just a means of providing some banter and slaggin' material between themselves over a few pints at the 19th hole.


  • #3
    DeVore
    Business & Finance Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 32,387 Mod ✭✭✭✭DeVore


    Agreed Fergus... bang on the money...


    You know what would be better thing this **** "texting" service... a flat rate internet access cost for homes... then we could use the INTERNET and all the various texting, IM, IRC and Email services it comes with BUILT IN...

    I'm a fncking genius. I know.

    DeV.


  • #4
    GUI
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,237 ✭✭✭GUI


    lads
    so if i go into an eircom store tomorrow
    buy one of the the texting fones

    works instantly ya?


  • #5
    SkepticOne
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,718 ✭✭✭SkepticOne


    I too can see potential for this new technology. Multiple text messages will be combined to allow the sending of longer "e-letters" for a couple of euros and possibly small pictures for 3 to 4 euros. This might sound expensive, but you are forgetting about the 24 hour saturation advertising that will accompany the services.

    I suspect the "killer app" will be Wired Application Protocol (WAP). Via a menu driven interface, subscribers will be able to access compelling local content such as bus timetables and the weather. This will distinguish it from the InterNet which does not have compelling local content.

    Other companies will be able to resell a wholesale version of the above services allowing them to act as marketing and billing organisations for Eircom thus creating the illusion of competition for the consumer.


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