In a recent research exercise conducted by Vodafone, where 300 phone users were deprived of their mobile phones for three weeks, a quarter of participants claimed that the loss was a blow to their confidence and led to problems with their partners. This and other ‘findings’ from the ‘research’ are available in The Little Red Book of Mobile. This is a mobile etiquette booklet published by Vodafone for its customers. New developments in technology such as MMS and WAP mean that customers can now send and receive picture messages and surf the Internet, all using their mobile phones. With these advanced capabilities comes a need, Vodafone argues, for greater responsibility and awareness. Vodafone claims that the aim of the booklet is to guide customers on what to do when they find themselves in unfamiliar territory, whether that is the etiquette of text; receipt of unwanted or inappropriate messages or images, or the best way forward when your mobile has come to the end of its life.
Recent statistics released by Vodafone show that Ireland is amongst one of the most mobile societies in the world, with voice usage on networks here 65 per cent higher than in Spain and 71 per cent higher than in the UK. Irish texting patterns are also the highest in the world. Given the great migration to mobile here as a primary means of communication, The Little Red Book of Mobile will prove a valuable tool to not just the ‘text generation’, but also those who want to ensure that they are getting the best use out of their phones – and parents – who may want a simple guide to the capabilities of modern handsets and services. The Little Red Book of Mobile is available in Vodafone outlets nationwide.
Vodafone has also announced that it has signed up over 100,000 users to its Vodafone Live! service in Ireland. Vodafone Live! is a content service based on 2.5G or GPRS technology and it allows subscribers to access polyphonic ringtones, news services with pictures and picture messaging services. Users can also download colour java games.
www.vodafone.ie
08/12/03
Ltd
