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CHANNEL 9 PARTNERS WITH MOBILEWAY-INPHOMATCH AND WAP PORTAL TO FOSTER CLOSER TIES WITH VIEWERS VIA NEW INTERACTIVE TV
Partnership Enables Viewers to Participate in Channel 9’s SMS-MMS Interactive TV Segment, Mobile9 |
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16 September 2004
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia’s private television network, Channel 9, announced its strategic partnership with WAP Portal Sdn Bhd and Mobileway-InphoMatch, the leading provider of global mobile messaging interoperability and value-added mobile data services, to deliver interactive mobile applications for its new SMS-MMS segment, called Mobile9.
Launched on 15 August 2004, viewers can take part in interactive activities on Mobile9, such as chatting, polling, contests, and downloads via SMS and share their MMS pictures – all while watching TV programs.
“Channel 9 is constantly exploring ways to ensure the right customer experience for our products and services. We want to offer customers services that are relevant, exciting, and will enhance their lifestyles,” said Encik Abdul Aziz Hamdan, Chief Executive Officer, Channel 9. “With the proliferation of mobile usage in Malaysia, we see the benefit in offering broadcasters new and innovative ways to use mobile as a means to attract and retain audiences. This collaboration with Mobileway-InphoMatch and WAP Portal certainly delivers the means to achieve this.”
Mobileway-InphoMatch will be rolling out applications tied with ongoing drama and movies screened over Channel 9. With more than 450 media and brand relationships around the world (including games licensors), the company will also be offering international content to local viewers.
Mobileway-InphoMatch offers an unrivalled global messaging network built through contracted direct connections and bilateral commercial agreements with more than 200 of the world’s leading mobile network operators. Mobileway-InphoMatch provides Channel 9 with a single point of access to true local coverage for all its viewers across Malaysia.
“Increasingly, we are seeing broadcasters across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. integrating television programming with mobile technologies to make the TV viewing experience more compelling and engaging than ever before,” commented Matthew Talbot, Managing Director, Mobile Services Asia, Mobileway-InphoMatch. “TV stations like Channel 9, media companies, and mobile operators have to continuously search for avenues to increase their revenues. In some countries, teletext SMS channels alone are receiving more than of 100,000 messages per day. When translated into dollars and cents, mobile options have quickly emerged as significant revenue sources for all components of the value chain – from broadcasters to content providers to service providers.”
Channel 9 and WAP Portal are both owned by parent company Ch-9 Media Sdn Bhd, formerly known as Medanmas Sdn Bhd. Mobile9 runs on Channel 9 from 9.00am to 2.30pm on Mondays to Fridays; and 8.00am to 12.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit http://www.channel9.com.my/mobile9_main.aspx for more information.
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About WAP Portal Sdn Bhd
WAP Portal Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s leading independent Mobile Internet service provider was founded in October 1999 and it is a MSC status company specializing in SMS application management. WAP Portal Sdn Bhd is Malaysia’s pioneering independent Mobile Internet Services provider, and leads the way with a total solution for content and services. It also specializes in providing mobile data content to network operators and communities.
About Channel 9
Channel 9 (CH-9) is the TV station with innovative services, backed by the creative programming, entertaining presentation, excellent music and aggressive marketing. CH-9 is set to become the most exciting, creative and favorable TV station in Malaysia. At present, the station’s broadcast covers the Klang Valley, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Pulau Pinang, Perlis, Kedah, Johor Bahru and Malacca via transmitters in Ulu Kali, Gunung Kledang, Gunung Pulai, Gunung Jerai and Gunung Ledang.
About Mobileway-InphoMatch
On August 10 2004, Mobileway and InphoMatch merged to become the only carrier-grade, global platform for mobile messaging services, billing, and rich media applications. The company is headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, USA, and led by president and CEO Neville Street. Mobileway-InphoMatch delivers mobile messages (SMS/MMS), mobile content, and value-added services on behalf of carriers, content providers, global brands, mobile marketing partners, and entertainment companies around the world. The company’s network delivers to countries across six continents via 500+ network operators. Major carrier customers include Verizon Mobile, Vodafone, AT&T Mobile, T-Mobile, Telcel, Telefonica, and O2. The Mobileway-InphoMatch global network is supported by carrier-grade data centers in Paris; Singapore; Chicago, Illinois (USA); and Sterling, VA (USA). Global offices include Beijing, Chantilly, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Milan, New York, Paris, San Mateo, Singapore, Sydney, and Taipei. Mobileway-InphoMatch is funded by 3i, Draper Atlantic, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, The Grosvenor Funds, Institutional Venture Partners (IVP), and Mayfield, with additional strategic investments from Citigroup, Intel, and Visa. For more information, visit www.mobileway.com or www.inphomatch.com.
For media information, please contact:
Jasmine Tan
Business Development Executive
Wap Portal Sdn Bhd
Tel: +603- 78808500
Jasmine@mypressto.com
Nachiappan M.T.Arasu
Corporate Communications Manager
Channel 9
Tel: +603 – 55685 999
nachiappan@ch-9.tv
Jean Loh
Senior Marketing Manager
Mobileway-Inphomatch
Tel: +60 3 6203 2713
Jean.loh@mobileway.com
Jann Yip
Asian Publicis
Tel: +65 6455 2812
Cell: +65 9651 2844
jann@asianpublicis.com
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