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13th January 2005 - News International,
publishers of The Sun newspaper, Sun Online website
and Page3.com has launched Sun Mobile, a new channel
for Sun branded content designed specifically for
mobile phone users. |
The WAP site currently features the latest monophonic
and polyphonic ringtones from leading artists as well
as the latest Java games. It also contains many Page
3 wallpapers and screen savers of all the current favourite
girls including Nikkala, Nicola T, Krystle and the latest
Page 3 idol Keeley. The site will develop quickly to
include a full range of mobile content services presented
under the Sun branding in an easy to use “browse
and buy” experience powered by Bango.
“It is vitally important that The Sun has a strong
presence in all media whether it be print, web or mobile,”
said Simon Ashley, Commercial Manager, News Group Digital
at News International. “Sun Mobile gives us a direct,
interactive relationship with our customers on mobile.
It’s an important step as it allows us to develop
a totally new revenue stream as well as develop the
Sun’s brand awareness within the youth market who
are comfortable with accessing us via new media.”
News International is marketing the new mobile site,
developed by Blue Star Mobile, to its 9 million Sun
newspaper readers and to the 3 million people who access
the Sun Online website. Sun Mobile is accessible to
users anywhere in the world who can choose to pay for
content on their phone bill, using their credit or debit
card or by other methods using Bango technology.
50% of traffic for Sun Online comes from the US and
Canada. “Bango's ability to provide easy access
from these countries and collect payment from them,
whatever network they choose, will enable us to capitalize
on the cross-fertilization between the web and mobile
channels,” added Ashley.
Bango enables users in over 130 countries to experience
the smooth, browse and buy easy payment experience that
they get from their operator portal. “Bango allows
content providers such as News International to extend
the reach of their service beyond their current readers
and provide fast and simple one-click payment for content,”
commented Ray Anderson, CEO of Bango.
Phone users on any UK network access the site by texting
SUN to 83055 and receive back a special link that opens
the mobile site on their screen. Overseas, users can
text SUN to +44 7786 203222
Although the Sun brand has a presence in operator portals
Vodafone live! and Orange World, News International
wanted to have its own mobile site with which it can
build brand loyalty and develop new forms of interactivity
to delight users.
A simple, cross-network call to action is used to promote
the Sun Mobile site. From the newspaper and on the website,
The Sun promotes access into various areas of the site,
into Page 3, Sun Wallpapers, Sun Tones and Sun Games.
Bango provides the services to ensure easy access to
Sun branded content, collection of micro-payments, detailed
tracking of user spending patterns, and the tools for
peer-to-peer viral marketing.
About Bango
Bango has developed and deployed an open, global, infrastructure
platform that enables content providers to market, sell
and deliver their products and services directly to
mobile phone users on all mobile networks using the
mobile internet.
This “off-portal” approach operates alongside
the mobile operator’s mobile content portals. Leading
mobile operators including Vodafone, Orange, Telefonica
and O2 work with Bango to accelerate the growth of their
“off-portal” business. Leading content brands
are now adopting the Bango Service to engage with all
of their existing and potential mobile customers directly
– irrespective of mobile operator.
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