CardBoardFish has developed an ad-free Java-based mobile application, FishText, which enables users to send SMS via their own mobile phone number, bypassing the operator’s network. There is also a web-based version at www.FishText.com.
The mobile application can be downloaded at wap.FishText.com. FishText supports text messages with up to 459 characters. The service is accessible on mass market devices as well as smartphones.
FishText users can send text messages to other FishText subscribers for free; and to other mobile phone numbers in over 200 countries for 1p per message. Users’ mobile operators may charge data charges for the data used by FishText.
Subscribers can purchase credit on the mobile phone or via the website. UK users can also top up via a premium message. New users will get £0.20/0.30 euro worth of free credit.
Vyke Communications has launched FreeTxt, a texting application for Symbian Series60 third edition mobile phones. It enables Vyke users to send free SMS to other Vyke subscribers and at discounted rates to others.
FreeTxt integrates with the phone’s existing messaging system. Customers can download the application when they receive a SMS that provides the link to the page. They have to click the link to install the application onto the phone’s messaging menu.
Jan Berger, chief marketing officer of Vyke Communications, said: “We are delighted to offer the FreeTxt application to our customers. With text messaging being an integral part of today’s consumers’ lives, affordable messaging is essential. Vyke, for the first time, is offering consumers a choice concerning which provider they want to use for their text messaging.”
