JERSEY CITY, NJ--(Marketwired - Apr 17, 2013) - Single Touch Systems , Inc. (
An award-winning application developed and managed by CellWand, #TAXI (#8294) has been used successfully by Canadians and a growing number of Americans for many years and has already generated millions of calls and revenue in Canada. #TAXI has been available to a growing list of wireless carrier customers across the U.S., generating in excess of 100,000 calls during its beta test period and roll-out.
#TAXI leverages the existing network of wireless carriers representing over 320 million mobile phones and all licensed cab companies in cities across North America to make cab service more efficient without requiring a change in regulations or infrastructure. Traditional mobile phone users who dial #TAXI simply verbally indicate their location, whereas smartphone users' GPS will automatically connect callers to the first available cab company dispatch based on the location and time of call. Smartphone users who prefer a mobile app experience also have the option of downloading the #TAXI app.
#TAXI is a pay-per-use service with a charge automatically added to the mobile phone user's wireless bill when they use the service. #TAXI is available for between $1.50 and $1.79 per call, depending on the wireless carrier. Last year in Canada alone, CellWand serviced almost 2,000,000 calls. Based on the number of mobile phone subscribers in the U.S. and Canada, Single Touch and CellWand estimate the number of calls in the United States could surpass 20 million annually. Revenues generated in the U.S. from #TAXI calls are shared among the mobile phone user's wireless carrier, Single Touch and CellWand.
#TAXI's proprietary taxi database rating system and business processes deliver several unique features including:
- Recommending the first available taxicab company best able to serve callers
- Allowing the connection to a preferred cab company
- Avoiding busy signals when connecting to a taxicab dispatch
- Finding the first available taxicab company dispatch during the busiest of times
In addition to being a powerful new service for business travelers and socially active people on the go, #TAXI has also been used effectively as a tool for women's safety and a vital service to help prevent drunk driving. #TAXI is a national sponsor of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in both Canada and the U.S. and further supports their prevention message with inclusion in many #TAXI marketing messages.
"Single Touch's abbreviated dial code technologies have tremendous applications and uses across numerous industry verticals that are being transformed by mobile devices. We are helping CellWand innovate at the intersection of mobile technology, car transportation and logistics. The evolution of mobile technology is impacting the cab service industry in a big way right now. Single Touch supports companies using # numbers to deliver services that enhance the mobile phone user experience," stated Single Touch President and CEO James Orsini.
"We are particularly pleased to partner with CellWand to support #TAXI by enabling its deployment with the majority of U.S. wireless carriers. A short, easy-to-remember code enables a wonderful convenience for mobile phone users to get from point A to point B in the best of circumstances, while in more critical situations #TAXI provides a community service that essentially provides everyone with a speed-dial for a safe way to get home. #TAXI is a simple, elegant solution that creates efficiencies for the licensed taxi industry without disrupting the established regulatory environment," Orsini added.
"As #TAXI is now available to virtually every mobile phone user in the U.S., we look forward to working with Single Touch to expand our marketing initiatives and make #TAXI the leading mobile cab ordering service in North America," said Nick Quain, CEO of CellWand.
For more information please visit: www.poundtaxi.com .
About Single Touch Systems, Inc.
Single Touch Systems, Inc. is a technology based mobile solutions provider serving businesses, advertisers and brands. Through patented and a modular, adaptable platform, Single Touch's multi-channel messaging gateway enables marketers to reach consumers on all types of connected devices, with information that engages interest, drives transactions and strengthens relationships and loyalty. For more information about Single Touch Systems, Inc. visit: www.singletouch.net
About CellWand Communications Inc.
CellWand is North America's leading provider of mobile search applications through abbreviated dialing codes. Utilizing location based technology, voice recognition and intelligent databases, these lifestyle applications give mobile phone users an easier way of connecting to businesses.
CellWand's first application, #TAXI® (PoundTaxi) is available on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless Bell, Rogers, TELUS Mobility and Virgin Mobile and other wireless carriers. CellWand is a privately held company founded in January 2000 and a proud corporate sponsor of MADD and MADD Canada as part of promoting an easy way to plan ahead and get home safely after drinking.
www.CellWand.com and www.PoundTaxi.com
Contact
Nick Quain, CEO, President and Founder CellWand Communications nquain@cellwand.com (613) 791-6448
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and reflect Single Touch's judgment as of the date of this release. These statements may include those regarding strategy, growth and future operations. Actual events or results may differ from Single Touch's expectations. The risks and uncertainties include reliance on brand owners and wireless carriers, the possible need for additional capital, as well as other risks identified in Single Touch's filings with the SEC. Single Touch disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements beyond the date of this press release, except as may be required by law.
Investor and Media Contact: Robert Haag Hampton Growth 877-368-3566 Email Contact
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