ICQ AND SINGTEL BRING ICQ WIRELESS MESSAGING SERVICES TO SINGAPORE
Agreement Will Enable SingTel Subscribers to Send and Receive ICQ Messages Anywhere, Anytime from Various Mobile Devices
Agreement Includes ICQ 2-WAY SMS (Short Message Service), ICQ for SMS, ICQ for WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) and ICQ for J2ME TM.Dulles, VA, and Singapore - January, 2003 -- ICQ ("I Seek You"), a world leading online communications community and international service from America Online, Inc., and Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), a leading integrated communications service provider in Asia Pacific, today announced an agreement that will enable SingTel subscribers to be the first in Singapore to communicate in real time via wireless devices with friends, family and business associates who are using ICQ around the world. The ICQ messaging service to be offered as part of SingTel's IDEAS@PLAY services will make available to all of SingTel's subscribers the use of ICQ 2-way SMS (Short Messaging Service), ICQ for SMS, ICQ for WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) and ICQ for J2METM. ICQ 2-way SMS and ICQ for WAP were launched today and the other services will be available to subscribers shortly.
"ICQ is an example of a launch of a truly convergent service as it is independent of whether you are on the phone, computer or PDA. This is a great idea for an average person who wish to remain 'Present' and contactable with their loved ones anywhere..." said Andrew Buay, Vice President of Marketing for SingTel.
With ICQ 2-way SMS, SingTel subscribers can send and receive instant messages using their phones with any ICQ user connected via a desktop, mobile phone, PDA or other wireless device. ICQ users worldwide also have the ability to send messages using ICQ on desktops, cellular phones or PDAs directly to SingTel wireless subscribers (as well as subscribers of 100 networks globally). ICQ users worldwide can also send SMS text messages using the ICQ messaging center on the ICQ web site, or the ICQ application on desktops, cellular phones or PDAs directly to SingTel subscribers. Although the cellular phones receiving these messages must be SMS-enabled, the recipients do not need to be ICQ users.
The ICQ for WAP and ICQ for SMS products allow SingTel subscribers to access their list of ICQ friends on the phone, see who is online and available to chat at any given moment, search for new or old friends and send and receive messages. With ICQ for WAP, new users can also register for ICQ using their phone.
The ICQ for J2METM product makes use of the enhanced Java phone capabilities to bring the ICQ experience on the phone to a new level. With ICQ for J2METM, it is even possible to remain logged in to ICQ while performing other functions on the phone. Together, these ICQ wireless offerings complement each other by bringing the ICQ experience directly to the cellular phone while catering to different phone technologies, different user preferences, and different user needs.
"ICQ is pleased to offer its suite of services for mobile devices to SingTel subscribers, enabling them to have more ways than ever to stay in touch with their friends and family around the globe," said Avi Shechter, co-general manager of ICQ. "We look forward to making it even more convenient for SingTel customers to send messages across any number of different platforms."
About SingTel
SingTel is Asia's leading communications company with a comprehensive portfolio of services that include voice and data services over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms. Serving both the corporate and residential markets, SingTel is committed to bringing the best of global communications to its customers in the Asia Pacific and beyond.
SingTel has extensive interests in submarine cable and satellite systems, including its co-owned ST-1 satellite and the pan-Asian C2C cable network. Its infrastructure development strategy is to ensure that its networks remain modern and efficient, and continue to meet the needs of its customers.
The SingTel Group has expanded into overseas markets, with investments in many countries and territories. In Australia, its wholly owned subsidiary, SingTel Optus is a leader in integrated communications -- serving more than five million customers. The Group's major investments include Advanced Info Service of Thailand, the Bharti Telecom Group of India, Globe Telecom of the Philippines and Telkomsel of Indonesia.
SingTel has been recognized Best Asian Telecom Operator by industry publication, TelecomAsia, for five consecutive years since 1998. The Group's turnover for the year ended 31 March 2002 was S$7.34 billion (US$4.02 billion). More information can be found at www.singtel.com.