Customers can download the FreeTxt application from Vyke’s website which conveniently integrates with the phone’s existing messaging system, and start texting directly from their handset as they normally would.
The application is simple to download. Customers will receive an SMS with a link to the FreeTxt download page and all they have to do is click the link to install the application onto the phone’s messaging menu. Once the application is downloaded customers simply enter their mobile phone number and select an ‘internet access point’. As soon as Vyke has verified the customer’s mobile number is correct and that they have a Vyke account they are then able to start sending text messages.
The FreeTxt application intercepts outgoing text messages and sends them to Vyke’s server via the phone’s internet connection. If the recipient of a text is also a FreeText user and is online, the message will be delivered peer to peer for free. If the recipient is not a FreeTxt user or is offline, the text message will be delivered at Vyke’s discounted SMS rates (as long as the user has credit on their Vyke account). If the customer chooses to not enable the FreeTxt service on their phone to send an SMS, then the text will be sent via their normal mobile operator service.
Jan Berger, Chief Marketing Officer, Vyke Communications commented: “We are delighted to offer the FreeTxt application to our customers. With text messaging being an integral part of today’s consumers’ lives, particularly with the younger generations, affordable messaging is essential. Unfortunately, mobile operators are taking advantage of SMS being a ‘must have’ believing that they can continuously keep on charging exorbitant rates as consumers will pay. Vyke believes in taking a stand by offering consumers a fairer deal and, for the first time, offering consumers a choice concerning which provider they want to use for their text messaging.