BTCellnet offer C35i on pre-pay

We have the widest range of handsets possible and offer mobile internet handsets to pre-pay customers that compare to those available to monthly contract customers said BTCellnet marketing director Peter Richardson.

Other BTCellnet prepay WAP phones are the Trium Geo ( 49.99). Alcatel One Touch View ( 49.99) Motorola T2288 ( 59.99) and Nokia 7110 ( 109.99).

Security fears could harm m-commerce

Of 10000 people questioned around 52 per cent said they were concerned about using mobile devices to buy goods over the internet.

Around 65per cent of those questioned were worried their privacy will be invaded through the misuse of personal information stored on the internet.

Nine per cent of people were worried that receiving junk mail would out-weight the benefits of m-commerce.

The survey revealed 58 per cent of people fear work may invade their private lives with m-commerce.

DHL joins WAP Forum

This is the worldwide industry body responsible for the invention and continued development of WAP technology.

DHL launched a WAP parcel-tracking service last October and says use of this service has grown 50 per cent each month.

Users can access DHLs central web site through any WAP device.

Orange launches high-speed data service

To access the new 28.8kbps data service new and existing Orange customers will need to buy a 299 Nokia cardphone which includes a SIM card and dedicated data number.

For a three-month promotional period Orange Data Access users can use the service at normal Orange data rates. All Orange Data Access calls can be detailed on one bill via Orange TalkShare.

Orange Data Access enables allows customers to send and receive emails and faxes and download pages from the Internet or intranet to their laptop at up to three times the current speed (see Sharp End).

For a three-month promotional period Orange Data Access users can use the service at normal Orange data rates. All Orange Data Access calls can be detailed on one bill via Orange TalkShare.

BTCellnets Genie to roll-out 10000 cash top-up machines in the UK

The system called Qdodge.com is an instant pre-pay mobile top up service for customers to buy call time on the four networks.

It is a joint venture between BTCellnets internet division Genie and rok.com a company founded in 1999 to develop pre-pay services. rok.com will be responsible for the funding rollout and management of the website and ATM network infrastructure. Genie is handling the marketing.

As well as being able to buy vouchers for any network over the Internet at Qdodge.com people will also be able to top-up pre-pay phones using the ATMs e-cash facility.

Users order an account card over the internet or from a telephone ordering hot line. When they need a top-up or want to buy other products they insert their card into the ATM and top-up their account by feeding bank notes into the machine for credit and tapping in their mobile number the network they are on and number and value of vouchers they want to purchase. The ATM then prints out a slip of paper with a top-up PIN number for them to key into their handset.

The Qdodge.com ATM network has the ability to turn hard cash into e-cash to make any online purchase said Genie managing director Kent Thexton.

The Qdodge.com ATMs will be ready for this in the New Year and after that the rollout will be as fast as e-tailers can sign-up. This means that for the first time people who dont have a debit or credit card have the option to purchase online. Were taking e-commerce to the mass market.

The ATM network will be available throughout the UK in locations where customers cannot currently buy pre-pay mobile phone vouchers for example train stations leisure centres clubs pubs universities and motorway service areas.

Qdodge.com is being developed with rok.com. Customers will also get free complementary services over the Qdodge.com web site. They will be able to download ring tones send SMS text messages via Genie to any mobile phone download logos onto their phone screen and send online postcards.

Shortly after launch customers will also be able to check the history of their airtime purchases and over time upgrade their handsets.

Added Thexton:

Qdodge.com offers real benefits from day one by tapping into the fastest growth sector the telecoms market has ever seen. Pre-pay top-ups for the next calendar year alone will be valued in excess of 3 billion.

For the first time pre-pay mobile phone users will have the option to top up their vouchers 24-hours-a-day seven days-a-week and in ways and in locations that they have never been able to online and through a network of ATMs.

Qdodge.com is a clear demonstration of Genies commitment to bringing mobile phones and the Internet together in new ways. Qdodge.com fits well with our service portfolio and we see every Qdodge.com visitor as a potential visitor to Genie.

Phone Steamers in court to face charges

Paul Seed (18) faces 20 robbery charges and one of indecent assault. The others cannot be named as they are under 18.

The offences were committed on trains between Waterloo and Gillingham Sittingbourne and Herne Hill and Chessington and Vauxhall earlier this year.

They demanded passengers hand over their mobile phones.

Orange punters queue up to win an MX-5

The summer promotion which runs until the end of September gives the customers of participating dealers the chance to win a Mazda MX-5 when they buy a Motorola phone with any Orange connection or upgrade.

Dealers also have the opportunity to win voucher prizes worth thousands of pounds for the most imaginative marketing of the promotion the largest percentage increase in Motorola sales over the promotion period and the highest number of promotional entries.

Mainline is supporting the initiative with a point of sale pack including tent cards posters banners shelf wobblers leaflets and an entry post box. Advertising blocks and a promotional display stand are also available.

This customer promotion will enable our dealers to compete even more effectively in what is traditionally a quiet time for the industry said Mainline MD Andrew Boden.

Ebbe launches rocket cabinet

Based around a cylindrical glass cabinet the Rocket unit features an aluminium base and spun aluminium crown to create a rocket shape.

Standing approximately seven feet high the Rocket contains revolving shelves and is used to display mobile phone handsets and accessories. It has a locking door to aid security. Creation of the crown involved a complex engineering process.