14 DAY TRIAL // 3 UK has been shortlisted by the GSM association for its Windows Live Messenger service, the mobile operator's free mobile IM application launched in August 2006.
The service is the first open access version of the Windows Live Messenger on a mobile phone and it allows 3 customers to send and receive messages and view their contact list on their mobile phones.
The Global Mobile Awards (GSM Awards) are like the Oscars of the mobile phone industry, therefore being shortlisted for an award is a true mark of excellence.
3's Windows Live Messenger has been recognized as a finalist in the Best Mobile Messaging Service category, competing against Yahoo!'s Yahoo! Go for Mobile, Symbian version, TJAT's Mobile Instant Messaging, Openwave's Adaptive Messaging Solution and Microsoft Corp.'s Direct Push Technology with Exchange 2003 Service Pack 2.
Graeme Oxby, Marketing Director, 3UK, said: "The GSM Awards are recognised globally as the industry-wide as the Awards to win, so just to be shortlisted for our Messenger application is a great achievement. As the first operator to take the step of offering mobile IM for free to its customers, we are pleased to have received the stamp of approval by such a well-respected association. 3 is constantly striving to bring popular internet services to mobile users."
Since 3's Windows Live Messenger on mobile was launched in August 2006, over 350,000 downloads have been recorded with an average of over 1.8 million messages sent or received each day. The application, free for 3's UK customers, provides the same instant messaging experience as the PC version.