Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel, May 22, 2000 - Partner Communications Company Ltd. (NASDAQ: PTNR), in cooperation with Israel's leading portal Walla!, today announced the launch of the first cellular portal in Israel, enabling subscribers to access information services using both push and pull technologies.
Partner also announced the formation of a new content and media division to develop and aggregate innovative content and information services using a variety of multimedia delivery systems.
The new portal, lunched today in its Beta version, enables subscribers to enjoy a wide variety of information services. Applying the GSM feature of bi-directional SMS messages, Partner subscribers will be able to pull information directly to their cellular handset at their own convenience, and predefine the content and services that interest them. The service also provides updates at a pre-determined time of day.
The services offered through the new portal include news, stock market and personal portfolio data, e-mail, weather information, diary applications and other. Subscribers also receive a private mail-box allocated by the system. The system is fully compatible with bi-directional messages both in Hebrew and in English.
During the beta trial, the services of the orange* -Walla! portal will be provided free of charge to encourage usage.
Partner also announced a new content and media division to be headed by Oded Keren, previously VP Marketing at Reshet, one of Israel's Broadcast TV operators. Shmuel Sachar, previously the CEO of Hed-Artzi, Israel's leading records, video, book publishing and interactive computer game manufacturer, will serve as Mr. Keren's deputy.
The services of the new division will be provided through bi-directional SMS, WAP, fax, e-mail and voice. The division will also develop the content services to be provided through packet switched GPRS systems on Partner's GSM network.
"Today's announcements point to a new and exciting journey for Partner," Amikam Cohen, Partner's CEO, said today.
Mr. Cohen added: "The road leads towards convergence of cellular and the Internet, gradually turning the advanced cellular operator from a voice services provider into a content aggregator, developer and provider. Our cooperation with Walla! assures our subscribers access to the widest variety of information services anytime, anywhere. Our new content and media division will enable Partner to develop the orange* look, feel and touch through a variety of services provided by a wide range of delivery platforms."
Gadi Hadar, Walla!'s CEO, commented: "Walla! provides to hundreds of thousands of surfers the most advanced content and services in Israel. The launch of the new portal enables customers to continue to enjoy Walla!'s services through the advanced GSM platform of the orange* network, and to provide in the future services through the new platforms that will be introduced in the Israeli market."
Partner Communications Company Ltd. is the only Global System for Mobile Communications, or GSM, mobile telephone network operator in Israel. The Company commenced full commercial operations in January 1999 under the international Orange Brand name and, through its network, provides quality of service and a range of features to over 426,000 subscribers in Israel. Partner provides its subscribers with international roaming services with 168 operators in 70 countries. The Company's shares are quoted on NASDAQ under the symbol PTNR and on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol PCCD. (For further information: http://investors.partner.co.il)
Wallah! Communications Ltd. (TASE: WALA) is a leading Israeli Internet company, a part of Formula Group (NASDAQ:FORTY), which is traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The Company operates in two business channels. In the first channel Walla! Operates the most popular Internet portal in Israel (www.walla.co.il). The second channel is a business service channel (B2B) in which Walla! Supplies consulting services, planning and developing of business Internet systems, and managing of media services for consumer audiences.
Contact:
Dr. Dan Eldar
V.P. Carrier, Investor and International Relations
Tel: +972 3 905 4151
Fax: +972 3 905 4161
E-mail: dan.eldar@orange.co.il