Vodafone launches first NZ txt ‘blacklist’ service
Vodafone has launched what it's billing as the first txt message blacklist service in New Zealand.
Vodafone has launched what it's billing as the first txt message blacklist service in New Zealand.
The service will launch on 8 November, giving Vodafone customers the ability to control who they receive txt or pxt (photo message) from.
The free service, aimed at young people and adults alike, is now available by texting ‘Blacklist Add [mobile number]’ to 713 on your Vodafone mobile.
When you blacklist a number (more information is here), it will prevent any further txts/pxts coming through from that number to your phone. This includes txts/pxts from any other network, Vodafone said in a statement.
The technology behind the service is supplied by Ericsson and Telsis.
Vodafone’s contact centre receives 6000 calls a year regarding txt bullying and recognised a need to give customers the freedom to choose who they can be contacted by. The new Vodafone Blacklist service will act as a first line of defence, the company said.
Vodafone’s general manager of consumer marketing, Kursten Shalfoon said when he went to school, bullying stopped when you got home. Now, it's 24/7, with some children receiving bullying messages on social networks as they lie in bed.
Mr Shalfoon added that “a second phase of increased controls for parents will be launched in early 2011.”
Vodafone has also been working closely with Parents Inc. to develop a nationwide programme for New Zealand Secondary School students on technology which will be presented as part of their Attitude programme.
The programme will be presented in 89% of high schools from early 2011. It offers young Kiwis hot tips on how to stay safe when building relationships online and how to handle txt/cyber bullying.
NBR staff
Tue, 02 Nov 2010
Tue, 02 Nov 2010
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Vodafone launches first NZ txt ‘blacklist’ service
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