em@iler ditches BT for SMS add-on

BT's internet and multimedia division worked closely with Amstrad in 1999 and 2000 as it geared up to launch the fixed-line email device, after 18 months of development.

In early-2000 Amstrad contracted BT to provide the telecoms services needed to power the product, but subsequently chose Thus for the second version of the em@iler, on more lucrative terms.

The installed base of the first generation model of the em@iler is now being managed by Thus, after Amstrad recently switched the two telecoms service providers.

Thus has agreed a more favourable revenue-sharing deal with Amstrad, as well as allowing it to offer a new SMS function for users. Users of the em@iler and em@iler plus, who have had the ability to send text messages, will now be able to receive them via the device.

The company claims it is "the first time a corded home phone has been able to act as an SMS text base station". This new functionality is expected to generate further revenues for Amstrad and Thus.

Its Amserve division, which manages the em@iler, recently decided to increase subsidies on sales of the device in a drive to increase its user base - it halved prices in January to £49.99.

Amstrad hopes to derive profits from on-screen advertising and usage of email and other services such as games, horoscopes and ringtone downloads, rather than purely by sales of the device.

13 February 2003:

2 January 2003:

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