The introduction last year of the SMS breaking news service by timesofmalta.com in conjunction with Vodafone was an immediate success. The service was developed as an extension of timesofmalta.com, making use of the fast pace of news breaking through the online news service of Allied Newspapers.

"It greatly exceeded our expectations in terms of uptake, due partly to the public transport strike during the summer," said Phelim Cavlan, business development manager of Allied Newspapers.

During the strike, the service proved its use almost immediately by providing information on areas hit by traffic delays and roadblocks, allowing commuters to plan alternative routes on their journey home.

Text messages with breaking news headlines are sent to over 8,000 subscribers a day and the number continues to grow. Many of the recipients are constantly on the move during the day, either travelling to their next meeting or unable to sit down at their computer for a few minutes.

Using Vodafone infrastructure, the service is free to Vodafone, Go, Redtouch and Bay subscribers and is supported by advertising. The service will also be free to Melita subscribers. Businesses making use of the service for the first time can now take advantage of new, lower rates starting from €120 plus VAT.

For more advertising enquiries, call 2559 4709 or to subscribe send an sms to 9918 0018.


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