Telecom Mobile has reached agreement to purchase the “Word Up” speech technology developed by Australian company
Voicenet for an undisclosed sum.
The “Word Up” speech application offers a range of email, information and other services to Telecom Mobile customers
using speech recognition and text to speech technologies.
Telecom has purchased the hardware, third party software and a non-exclusive licence to use, develop and modify the
“Word Up” software and will own any modifications it makes to the system. Voicenet will retain an ongoing interest
through potential royalties, depending on traffic levels, for the next two to five years.
Telecom Mobile Manager Wireless Data Nic Holdgate said Word Up was an innovative service, which offered great potential.
“No other company offers their customers such a service. Our customers who use it – whether it is for email to their
phone, or the host of news and information services – absolutely love it.”
Mr Holdgate said Telecom Mobile could operate the service more cost effectively. “We plan to integrate marketing efforts
and to build on the expertise so far developed.”
Voicenet is selling the New Zealand business as part of the continuing rationalising Voicenet’s operations
internationally.
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