Swisscom Offers Mobile IM

BERN, Switzerland -- Swisscom Mobile announces the launch of Ogo, the first real mobile instant messenger. In addition to the Instant Messaging function of the pre-installed MSN Messenger, the device supports the receipt and transmission of e-mails. Ogo is available immediately to customers who sign up for the NATEL® instant messaging subscription and costs CHF 49 as a one-off charge plus a fixed monthly usage charge of CHF 19. This includes all transmission charges within Switzerland. Ogo is targeted primarily at young residential customers and users of MSN Messenger.

Instant Messaging is an online service which enables real-time communication with other subscribers. It is a hot topic in the Swiss Internet community and experiencing exponential growth: Over one million people in Switzerland - or well over a third of all Internet users ! - use an Instant Messaging service. A study by the leading Instant Messaging provider MSN reports that users in Switzerland spend on average over 12 hours a month logged on to their Messenger - and send over one billion messages. Young people in particular appreciate being able to exchange messages with friends quickly, simply and regularly.

Until now, Instant Messaging services such as that offered by MSN have been used almost exclusively by PC users at home. Now Ogo makes mobile Instant Messaging child's play: The MSN user interface is very easy to use. After logging on with their MSN Account users have access to their buddy list, as on their PC. Calling up e-mail accounts is also extremely simple: Up to five different accounts can be called up simultaneously via Ogo. This is possible with all e-mail accounts, in particular Hotmail and those with an open POP3 or IMAP4 access, and includes all major providers like Bluewin or GMX. Users can either define a call-up rhythm or call up the accounts from time to time manually. The inbox can be organised such that all incoming messages are consolidated or sorted according to different accounts.

With Ogo, data exchange takes place via the Swisscom Mobile network using GPRS, thus providing virtual nationwide coverage throughout Switzerland. Ogo is also simple to use: The flip-open display is well-protected when not in use, text input is via a full-blown QWERTY keyboard and the practical dimensions mean that it's no problem carrying it around. Navigation is via an 8-way navigator and so-called hotkeys which allow quick access to the most important menu items.

Swisscom Mobile AG