Smart launches weather info audiotex service

Technology and wireless innovator, Smart Communications Inc. recently launched another first in a new class of company services dubbed as "Premium Rate or Audiotex Services."

The Smart Weather Information Audiotex Service will allow any active Smart mobile services subscriber (Smart Gold, Buddy, Price Buster and Bill Crusher) to retrieve weather-related information on a 24-hour, seven days-a-week basis. Weather information includes both general (e.g. weather forecasts for Metro Manila) and specialized types (e.g. weather forecasts for Southwoods golf course).

This service is easily recognized by its distinctive dialing or access number mnemonic, 1-900-WEATHER (1-900-9328437). A Smart mobile subscriber accessing the service pays a special rate for the information that she wishes to listen to which is announced at the beginning of each access call. The weather news information is tariffed at P10.66 per minute (all in) from anywhere in the Philippines.

Smart's information content provider and partner for this new service is Weathernews Philippines Inc. (WNI). WNI is part of the global Weathernews Group. The Weathernews Group has long been engaged in the science of weather forecasting worldwide and has experience presenting such information in specialized formats (e.g. weather forecast at resorts, golf courses).

The service can be accessed from anywhere in the Philippines wherever there is a Smart GSM or E-TACS coverage. Other audiotex services will be made available to all Smart mobile subscribers very soon.