Sources inform ''Globes'' that ISP and international calls carrier IDB Holding Corp. Ltd. (TASE:IDBH) subsidiary NetVision Ltd. (TASE: ) is considering direct marketing of Ogo mobile e-mail and instant messaging devices. No decision on distribution has been made yet, but if NetVision decides in favor of the move, it will be the first time that an Israeli ISP is entering cellular.
NetVision will reportedly market Ogo devices to its Internet subscribers, together with another service guaranteeing online connectivity during movement, including e-mail and instant messaging.
The fact that NetVision, now merged with Barak 013, is a subsidiary of IDB will help Cellcom Israel Ltd. (NYSE:CEL), another subsidiary, provide cellular connections to Ogo devices, and make money on data communications and calls.
Ogo devices are fairly simple in terms of content and are not cheap, costing $170-200 each. This makes them particularly suitable for teenagers, who are heavy users of instant messaging.
IXI Mobile Inc. developed the Ogo, and recently launched the next generation Ogo 2.0. IXI charges $2.50 per subscriber who receives the service. The company recorded 73,000 users via international telecommunications operators in 2006, only a year after launching the device.
NetVision declined to comment.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on February 21, 2007
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