DhiMobile SMS (Short Message Service) will be launched on 20 May 2001 .The service allows customers to send and receive text messages (up to 160 characters long) from their mobile handsets to other DhiMobile users.

From 15 April all DhiMobile customers in the Maldives have been able to receive SMS text messages, although customers have to wait until the full service launch on 20 May 2001 to send SMS.

SMS is extremely popular with customers, especially younger ones, who find it fun and cost-effective to communicate with family and friends.

SMS is very popular in Europe (Germany, UK, France and Italy) and the Asia-Pacific region (particularly China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and the Philippines). Currently more than 15 billion messages are sent each month and this is expected to grow to 200 billion per month by December 2002.

"Dhiraagu is committed to delivering to you the customer, and providing world-class communication services. SMS, Voicemail and Prepaid are just some of the new services being introduced this year," said Keith Wilson, Chief Executive Officer.

Dhiraagu has invested US$ 0.8 Million in equipment from Comverse Network Systems Limited (USA) for the supply of VoiceMail, SMS and Prepaid services. Full details of SMS tariffs will be announced in the local media next week.


Issued by:
Dhiraagu Marketing Communications & Public Relations