WAP Mobile Local Search for What’s Nearby

Customer: Vodafone, O2, T-mobile

Product: What’s Nearby/Fast Find

This is a very simple to use service that allows users to quickly access the most commonly searched data.

The product operates from a simple menu select process on an operator’s portal, the categories include:

• Cinemas
• Cash Machines
• Taxis
• Restaurants
• Fast Food
• Pubs
• Coffee Shops

The service also allows a free search through Thomson’s local by either Business Name or Business Type

Depending upon the demographics of the usage profile of the operator, other categories are also included.

With the exception of the Fast Find product, once the selection of service has been made the user selects the location they require the service at. This can be either by an Automated Feed, the last used location or self locate.

The Self Locate can be selected by:

• Free search on a place name
• Postcode
• London – using a District or Tube Station
• Drop down of other major cities

The service generates a detailed display to the WAP session with the full Name, Address and telephone information. From this screen the user has the option to make a new search:

• From selected business for new service
• For same service different location
• From different location same service

In addition, a SMS message is sent to the customer so he/she still has the data available after the WAP session has ended.

WAP Mobile Local Search for What’s On

Customer: Vodafone, O2, T-mobile

Product: What’s On

What’s On is an extension to the What’s Nearby services.
It allows users to find out which events are on along with times, prices etc. Data comes from several best of breed suppliers to ensure accuracy and reliability. It is updated on a weekly basis to ensure it is current.

The content categories include:

• Bars
• Clubs
• Films
• Gigs
• Performance

And by using follow on actions it is possible for the user to be specific on the request by selecting sub-categories:

e.g.

• Bars by type
• Club by music type
• Film by Title, Genre or Recommended Films
• Gig by type
• Performance listed by Arts, Dance, Theatre, Classics or Comedy

SMS Mobile Local Search for What’s Nearby

Customer: Vodafone, T-mobile

Product: SMS Find My Nearest & What’s On

The user sends an SMS message with a specific keyword input to a shortcode (8888 for Vodafone, 5050 for T-mobile).

Once received by Mobile Commerce a response is returned based on the keyword sent and the user’s location.

These products have been live for over 3years and usage reflects the growth of SMS.

The most commonly used categories are around:

• Eating
• Drinking
• Going Out
• Having Fun

Mobile Commerce’s message composer ensures that the most relevant information is always returned in the message by prioritising the various fields into the 160 characters that can be used.