Gemalto powers Yahoo Messenger service on mobile phones

AMSTERDAM: Gemalto, a leader in digital security, has announced the launch of its LinqUs Yahoo Messenger for SIM solution for access to Yahoo Messenger in Vietnam by Vinaphone, a leading mobile network operator in the country with 25 million subscribers.

Through Gemalto's SIM-based Yahoo Messenger solution, Vinaphone will enable its customers to enjoy all the key features offered by the full personal computer version of Yahoo Messenger, regardless of their handset model.

Vinaphone is first in the world to offer the service, and Gemalto's LinqUs Yahoo Messenger for SIM is the only SIM-based application certified by Yahoo. The embedded software application is compatible with 100 per cent of mobile handsets using SMS and without needing a mobile internet connection. LinqUs Yahoo Messenger for SIM offers key social messaging features including direct pop-up notification of incoming messages, offline message reception, multiple simultaneous chats in three different languages and easy contact management. Automatic login with username and password is also possible.

"Worldwide churn rate is higher among pre-paid subscribers and as Vietnam's 90 pc of the subscriber base consists of pre-paid accounts, Gemalto's solution to make Yahoo Messenger available on any handset will help us strengthen customer loyalty," said Nguyen Hoang Hai, Manager of Business Department, Value Added Service Center, Vinaphone. "With the rising popularity of social networking in Vietnam, this is a key solution for us to grow our revenue stream."

"People increasingly want to stay connected, communicate and share experiences with their friends on Yahoo Messenger even when they are on the go," said Yvonne Chang, Managing Director - India & South East Asia, Yahoo. "Gemalto has developed a truly innovative solution that will enable Yahoo to be a part of users' daily digital routines," she added.