Press Releases

1-800-FREE411 Debuts Capabilities to Send Targeted SMS Ads to Mobile Phone Users CBS Among the Advertisers and Marketers Now Sending Promotional Offers via Text Messages to Consumers Dialing for Free Directory Assistance

September 25, 2006 – Menlo Park, Calif. Jingle Networks, Inc., operator of the 1-800-FREE411 directory assistance service, today expanded its offerings with a new capability that enables advertisers and marketers to send opt-in, promotional text messages to consumers’ mobile phones, giving marketers using the 1-800-FREE411 media network a new way to reach and interact with millions of callers. CBS is among the current advertisers and marketers who are using this SMS feature to send consumers promotional offers along with the requested phone number.

The new SMS service provides advertisers and marketers a convenient, easy way to reach millions of mobile phone users in a targeted, engaging and clutter-free environment. When a person calls 1-800-FREE411 and asks for a listing, they hear a short promotional message from a business or service that corresponds with the requested phone number.

Using the new SMS service on the 1-800-FREE411 network, marketers can enhance their audio campaigns by allowing consumers to respond to their promotions both directly via phone or elect to receive a text message containing additional information, such as the requested phone number, or a promotional offer – all leading to higher customer conversion and revenue potential. The SMS feature can be used as part of a sponsorship ad or deployed in a targeted direct response offer.

CBS recently utilized these SMS functionalities as a component of an ad campaign implemented throughout “Premier Week” which promoted the network’s fall lineup via recorded messages on 1-800-FREE411. These short audio messages directing consumers to watch the fall premieres were recorded by the stars of several of their highest profile shows, including “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race,” “The Class,” “Smith,” “Jericho,” and “Ghost Whisperer.” Callers were additionally given an option to receive an SMS-based text message on their mobile phone as the programming time approached displaying a reminder for the promoted television show.

1-800-FREE411 is an innovative channel for companies to send specific offers to an attentive, targeted audience at the exact time they are looking for them,” said George Schweitzer, president of CBS Marketing Group. “With this campaign we were able to reach millions of callers with the time-targeted, radio-like audio spots, which were further complemented by the ability to actively engage with consumers a second time with text messages at the actual time of the show.”

“Mobile devices are quickly becoming a mainstream branding channel through which advertisers can connect in very interactive ways with a highly targeted audience,” said George Garrick, president and CEO of Jingle Networks. “The attributes inherent to mobile marketing in terms of localization, personalization and ubiquity generate significant potential for this untapped form of commercial communication. As we continue to expand our media solutions, companies have a variety of options to deliver marketing campaigns that generate results far superior to other mass media channels. By adding text messaging capabilities, we are making it even easier for companies to reach millions of consumers with highly targeted, measurable offers that map to their specific interests.”

About Jingle Networks & 1-800-FREE411Jingle Networks, operator of the nation’s leading ad-supported directory assistance service 1-800-FREE411, has significantly changed the directory assistance market by giving consumers an anytime, anywhere source of free information on the phone. 1-800-FREE411 is for anyone who owns a phone and needs information but is dissatisfied with the high cost of directory assistance. Jingle Networks has changed the industry by creating an exciting new media channel through 1-800-FREE411. With nearly 130 million annual calls, 1-800-FREE411 offers advertisers highly targeted and timely promotional opportunities to reach a large but targeted customer base who are ready-to-buy, garnering a response rate twice that of other direct response media. For more information, visit: www.free411.com.

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Deann Mayeda
415-591-8404
dmayeda@shiftcomm.com