2008-12-03 02:09:00 -

Portugal Telecom"s TMN has added the Zlango mobile messaging service for its subscribers. Zlango gives consumers enhanced messaging capabilities on the mobile phone with the incorporation of icons into text messages/SMS. TMN is the largest mobile operator in Portugal with more than 6 million customers.
The novel service has gained rapid acceptance in parts of Europe, the Middle

East and Asia where other mobile telecom operators have already deployed Zlango. Compatible with more than 450 handset devices, the communication-enhancing application has caught on quickly with the youth market. Operators are deploying the service to differentiate themselves, capture a larger share of the $70 billion worldwide SMS/text messaging market and establish themselves with teens and tweens customers.
Previous roll outs have increased average revenue per user (ARPU) for operators by driving more messages to be sent, as well as reducing customer churn while driving phone upgrades. The youth demographic in particular have found Zlango engaging and leads the adoption of the application in 12 different countries including Malaysia, Philippines, Ukraine and Israel.
"With the launch of the Zlango service, TMN continues its strategy of convergence and multiplatform service development, using advances in technology to benefit its customers," says Mario Sousa, Data and Content Business Director, TMN. "Zlango is an opportunity for TMN to position itself once more as the most innovative operator in Portugal."
The Zlango service does not require any data connection and utilizes the existing SMS infrastructure for communications. Operators and handset manufacturers offering Zlango have been able to increase SMS related revenue by offering youth audiences the communication functionality they are already using on the PC and other platforms.
"I"m very proud of adding TMN to our list of mobile operator partners, helping them differentiate against the commoditization of mobile messaging," said Yoav Lorch, CEO, Zlango. "We"re tapping into the desire young people have to always find new ways to express themselves, and giving our partners a means to differentiate their offering."
When using Zlango, users can incorporate images that substitute words and phrases into their messages. As the saying goes " a picture is worth a thousand words. In fact, in some countries it is considered rude not to use Zlango or similar icons in messages. Zlango"s availability in more than 20 different languages allows people from around the world to break down communication barriers.
About Zlango
Zlango is the global leader in visually-enhanced text messaging solutions and services. Zlango"s mobile messaging platform allows users to incorporate images and icons into their SMS and text messages. Zlango"s product portfolio includes a set of additional applications supporting 20 different languages that allow easy integration into web-mail, social networks, instant messaging platforms, as well as avatar creation.
Zlango is deployed in 12 countries. Customers include Portugal Telecom/TMN, Globe (Philippines), Kiyv Star (Ukraine), Celcom (Malaysia) and other mobile operators. Zlango"s lead investors are Benchmark Capital and Accel Partners.
More information is available at www.zlango.com.
About TMN
Created in March 1991, TMN is the mobile subsidiary of the Portugal Telecom Group and today's leading operator in the mobile telecommunications market in Portugal. Betting on the ongoing diversification of solutions tailored to individual and professional needs, TMN makes technological innovation and orientation toward the client drive its overall activity.


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