14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft and Telenor announced the launch of the popular instant messaging service, Windows Live Messenger, for mobile phones in Norway. Telenor thus becomes the first operator to offer the service to Norwegian mobile users.
"For young people this is the most important thing that has happened on the mobile phone since the introduction of SMS. Messenger allows much richer text based communication and now you don't need to sit at a PC to speak to your Internet friends, you can pick up your mobile and continue the conversation," said Jon Erik Haug, Director of Privat Mobil in Telenor.
Initially, Windows Live Messenger will be available on four popular mobile phones: Sony Ericsson W810i, K610i and K800i and Nokia N73, with support for more models to be added soon. Customers are required to download the service at first, but beginning with spring 2007, users will be able to purchase handsets with the service pre-installed.
"We are pleased to be able to offer Windows Live Messenger for mobile phones in partnership with Telenor. We wish to be present everywhere our 1.5 million users are. The partnership with Telenor is an important step in supplying mobile content," said Benedikte L?vdal, Country Manager, MSN and Windows Live in Norway.
The service is available free of charge until 1 June 2007. After the free period, the service will cost NOK 49 (approximately USD 8) per month.