Wap-based social entertainment launched

The first phase of the portal is intended to offer wap-enabled users a seamless social experience by creating user interaction around entertainment content, be it music, games or information services. Mobile workers, or those with limited Internet connectivity, may download music, comment on a game or catch up on their astro predictions at http://wap.ubyou.co.za.

“There is an estimated 18 million wap enabled mobile devices in the South African market; it just makes sense to move social networking to a realm for more people to access and enjoy,” says Gloria Ruhrmund of Glocell Wireless Service Provider.

“ubyou should not be confused with instant messaging portals,” she continues. “We are not simply addressing the need for cheaper forms of communication, but are offering a virtual access point for people to express themselves within a community that holds similar interests.”

Access to the community is free but network data fees do apply. In addition, ‘ubyou's' content will include local flavour, dialect and content to ensure that it truly reflects the community it is intended to serve.

Since May 2007, GWSP have invested an estimated R2 million in the wap.ubyou.co.za platform with a view to realising new revenue streams from advertising, as well as the knock-on effects of downloads.

The second phase, due to be released soon, will include interactive gaming, an incentive point system to stimulate user interaction and strategic corporate partnerships to evolve the ‘ubyou' experience.

The portal was built by in-house development team, headed by Stuart Steedman.