Searching for local information made easier – and for free- with Rednano's mobile service

Singapore, 9 July 2008 – Anyone looking for information about Singapore will now find it easier to access this on the go, thanks to Singapore’s first local search and directory engine – Rednano – and the launch of its Mobile Search service today.

And, from 1 August 2008, all mobile customers will be able to enjoy the Rednano Mobile service for free as they will not have to pay for data access costs for a limited period.

Rednano was first launched in March 2008 for users of personal computers. One of the key benefits of using Rednano online is that it offers a federated search method – it gives users clearly categorised results from online Web, News, Images, Directory, People and Maps. Rednano has the necessary local knowledge to serve local users well, as it is a product of SPH Search Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore’s leading media company, Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), and Norwegian media group Schibsted ASA.

Rednano Mobile Search via WAP
In addition to using their personal computers for the online version of Rednano (rednano.sg), users can now search for local information or even check real time traffic status through their mobile phones by connecting to Rednano’s Mobile Search WAP portal http://mobile.rednano.sg.

From 1 August 2008, Rednano will be the first local search and directory engine to offer free mobile data access, as well as free content such as Directory, Maps and News, within its portal, to subscribers of all three of Singapore’s telcos, SingTel, StarHub and M1. Together, subscribers from these telcos account for more than 4 million mobile subscriptions. While Rednano will bear the data access costs for a limited period, it is nonetheless a major step to move the industry forward.

Beyond just getting Directory information, users can do more: they can view a location map of the subject they are looking for with just another click, or dial directly the contact number given.

Rednano Mobile Search via SMS 33333
With one simple SMS, users can also obtain directory information - for instance, contact details of restaurants, transport services, entertainment outlets, or business associates.

To use Rednano's Mobile Search service via SMS, all users need to do is SMS a keyword to Rednano by sending it to the new SMS 33333 short code, and they will receive an SMS with the address and telephone number of the company or organisation they are looking for.

It is that simple. Rednano's Mobile Search puts details of over 100,000 business listings and tens of thousands of news articles in their hands. The new SMS 33333 short code is also easy for users to remember.

And, similarly with the WAP portal, there are no charges for the SMS service for a limited period.

These features will save time and money for busy executives, and those looking for value when doing a search with their mobile phones.

Rednano is focused on serving the needs of anyone looking for information on Singapore. It is continually improving the content it can deliver to users. This content is already enriched by Rednano's unique access to the daily output of news reports, commentaries, reviews, pictures and illustrations by SPH's newspapers, the treasure trove of SPH's archived material, as well as the material collated by Rednano as it trawls the World Wide Web.

Ms Shirley Tan, Director of Business Development (Mobile), says: “With Rednano Mobile Search, users can have localised search results literally at their fingertips anytime, anywhere. It is ideal for Singaporeans who wish to manage their time better and also useful for anyone looking for their next meeting location or a restaurant nearby. For businesses looking to reach out to new customers or service existing ones, our mobile service maps and click to call features can bring clients direct to their door step.”

Yum Cha Restaurant Pte Ltd is one of the earliest advertisers on Rednano Mobile. Its General Manager, Mr Albert Tan, says: “Our target market is the local crowd, and thus we are keen to advertise on Rednano Mobile so that our customers in Singapore will be able to locate us easily and try our delectable dishes.”

Looking ahead, there are plans to equip Rednano Mobile with capabilities to know where the mobile phone users are, and automatically provide them with the best results depending on their location.