StarHub First In Singapore To Launch International Mobile/Fixed Line SMS Service To Hong Kong
- Allows Mobile Customers Here To Send Text Messages To Fixed Line Users In Hong Kong -
Singapore, March 30, 2004 - StarHub, Singapore’s leading information communications provider, today announced the launch of the International Mobile / Fixed line Short Message Exchange Service (SMS) to PCCW-HKT Telephone Ltd. (PCCW), a leading integrated communications company in Hong Kong. This is a first in the island of Singapore.
From tomorrow, StarHub mobile customers can send text messages via their mobile handsets to PCCW fixed line SMS customers in Hong Kong, which they will receive on their fixed line SMS phones and vice versa.
To facilitate easy communication, text messages can be sent in both English and Chinese characters, allowing users flexibility and convenience when keeping in touch with business associates, friends and families in both cities. English messages follow the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard, which allows a maximum of 160 characters per SMS. However, Chinese messages have a limitation of 70 characters.
"The International Mobile/Fixed Line SMS service, an extension of our current Global SMS service, suits the needs of everyone. It allows for convenient communication to aid both personal and professional relationships. For instance, Singaporeans working in Hong Kong and HongKongers working in Singapore are now empowered to use this low-cost and effective means to stay constantly in touch. StarHub and PCCW customers’ lives will be enriched with this simple but innovative service," said Mr. Chan Kin Hung, Head of Mobile Services, StarHub.
"StarHub recognizes that SMS is a widely used service and a key means of communications not only with our customers but also with users around the world. By being the first to introduce such a service to Singaporeans, our customers stay at the forefront of innovative info-communications technology."
Text messages sent on both platforms will go through a third party, CITIC Telecom 1616 Limited, before reaching the intended parties on either side. The largest IDD minute wholesaler and the multi-media telecommunication hub in Asia Pacific will act as a clearinghouse to convert all text messages from simplified Chinese characters to traditional Chinese characters and vice versa.
Mr. Jason Lee, Senior Business Development Manager of CITIC 1616 said, "CITIC Telecom 1616 is glad to provide our services to both StarHub and PCCW. By establishing interconnectivity between both parties, we are able to uphold ourselves as a truly international multi-media center. This service demonstrates the interactivity of telecommunications, particularly SMS, through PCCW’s and StarHub’s extensive and robust networks."
The usual Global SMS rate of S$0.15 will be charged for every SMS sent to PCCW fixed line SMS customers. Please go to www.starhub.com/gee under ‘Gee! Messaging’ for more details.
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About StarHub
StarHub is a Singapore-based info-communications company providing a full range of information, communications and entertainment services over fixed, mobile and Internet platforms. It operates its own nationwide broadband network that delivers multi-channel cable TV, data, voice and Internet access.
On the cellular front, StarHub operates its own GSM/GPRS network and will have its 3G network ready by the end of 2004.
Driven by a passion for listening and providing what customers want, StarHub endeavors to bring affordable and premium quality services with innovative and useful features to all its customers. Visit StarHub at www.starhub.com for your communication needs.
About PCCW-HKT Telephone Limited (PCCW)
PCCW is one of Asia's leading integrated communications companies. PCCW provides a spectrum of communications services from local telephony to broadband services to business solutions and more.
Following its August 2000 acquisition of Cable & Wireless HKT, PCCW has focused on its transition from a technology-driven telecommunications company to a customer-led, integrated-communications services provider.
About CITIC 1616 Limited
CITIC Telecom 1616 Ltd. (CITIC 1616) has established itself as one of the major telecommunication hubs in Asia and also is one of the largest IDD minute Wholesaler and Refiler in Asia Pacific Region, based in Hong Kong and 100% owned by CITIC Pacific Ltd.
CITIC 1616’s services are focused on Wholesale Voice and also diversified into Outsourcing Business, Internet Exchange, Calling Card Wholesaling and IPLC reselling. With the growth in personal communications services, CITIC 1616 also operates a Universal Mobile Operator Exchange Platform to enable International Roaming and Short Message Exchange Services for mobile operators worldwide. CITIC 1616’s long-term goal is to establish itself as a multi-media commercial exchange center in Asia, where voice, IP, data and content can be exchanged in an effective manner. To support the above services, CITIC 1616 has established interconnection with 125 major international telecom carriers and operators in over 80 countries.
CITIC 1616’s parent company, CITIC Pacific Ltd. ("CP") is listed in Hong Kong (HKSE: 267) and with strong supports from her substantial shareholder, Beijing-based conglomerate CITIC Group of China, as known as one of the largest state-owned enterprise in China. The group owns a nation-wide fiber optic, China Express No.1 Backbone Network, with total length in excess of 32,000 km covering 200 major cities and 80% population in Mainland China. CP also owns 50% of CITIC Guoan, holding Shenzhen listed company Guoan Information, operates cable television networks in China serving a target of 7 million subscribers. In late 2001, CP acquired PSINET Hong Kong, a prominent Internet Service Provider, and renamed it as CPCNET Hong Kong. 20% owned by CP since 1991, Companhia de Telecommunicacoes de Macau (www.ctm.net) is the provider of fixed line, mobile telephone and Internet access services to the people of Macau SAR.
