By Oiva Angula
16 December 2010

Telecom Namibia has announced that it is set to launch an innovative text message service, which for the first time in Namibia will deliver a range of key classified business information using Short Messaging Service (SMS) platforms across a multiple of mobile networks in Namibia.

The service, which is planned to be available by December 20 this year, offers classified directory information searches for business and service types covering the most common needs of mobile phone users whilst on the move or in the event of an emergency.

The pioneering SMS offering reflects Telecom Namibia's commitment to provide new and flexible ways for consumers to access its database of business listings as quickly and conveniently as possible. The company is offering this service through a smart partnership with CellDirect Namibia and Schoemans Office Systems.

CellDirect’s is a market-leading innovative SME with four years of experience in SMS Communications services working with Schoemans Office Systems, an organisation that has been providing innovative solutions for over 50 years in Namibia.

The service will enable mobile users to request and receive contact details of companies such as Taxis, Florists, Takeaways and Locksmiths, by SMS – anytime and where there is network coverage. Users on the main mobile networks can access businesses across various locations via a single designated number, 100 100, and have a choice of results sent direct to their phone quickly and discreetly, 24 hours a day. The service costs N$1 per request.

Telecom Namibia’s managing director Frans Ndoroma said, "The Namibian market has embraced the text message and made it one of the most popular ways to communicate. We have recognised this and as a result have developed a service which enables users to access our business directory data via text. It's more flexible, less intrusive and more discreet than a telephone call and can be used in situations with a lot of background noise such as busy bars and clubs.”

Ndoroma said the use of SMS as a communication tool has grown beyond anyone's expectations around the world. “We have seen how difficult it is to simply find a business name or phone number. With people using SMS for everyday communication, we realised that there is a gap in the market for a simple to use SMS directory service,” he added.

“We have worked with Telecom Namibia over the past several months to bring to market a winning solution for Telecom and businesses listed in the Telecom Directory,” said Deon Namaseb, CellDirect Namibia’s Managing Director.

“I am very proud and excited that we are bringing to market such a class-leading product. We are confident in saying that this is by far the most comprehensive product of its kind on the market,” Namaseb said.

“With this service you can access all Yellow-pages listed companies listed in Telecom Namibia’s directory,” he stressed.