Sky Launches New Interactive Tv Email Service

Sky Launches New Interactive Tv Email Service - Skymail

SKY Digital subscribers now have the option of sending and receiving text emails on their television screens using a special interactive infrared keyboard.

SKYmail is the latest interactive product to be launched by SKY Television.

SKY's Business Development Manager, Kirsty Barwick said, "SKYmail is a simple way for people who don't know much about computers to send emails to friends and family."

"It's easy to use with clear on screen instructions and convenient as it is accessed through the television", she said.

SKYmail is especially useful for people who feel intimidated by computers and for those who can't afford a computer with the Internet".

SKY now has 513,000 subscribers, 72 percent of which subscribe to the digital service. To access SKYmail subscribers can either use their digital remotes or purchase a specially designed cordless, infrared keyboard, which has all the functions of their digital remote and makes writing emails easier.

SKY has its own email ISP enabling subscribers to have an @skymail.co.nz email address. However, those who have existing email accounts with ClearNet, ihug, nzoom, ParadiseNet and Xtra can also access their existing email accounts using the new on screen email service.

SKY Digital subscribers can access up to three email accounts each. There is also a unique SKYmail address book available.

SKYmail users cannot view attachments or files. But these can be accessed through the web interface http:// http://www.skymail.co.nz on a personal computer.

Subscribers wanting SKYmail addresses will pay $2 a month, plus online charges of 18 cents a minute or part minute. Those who access accounts with other Internet providers will pay online charges only. The online charges are billed through the subscribers phone account and the SKYmail charges are billed to their SKY account.

Other existing SKY Interactive services are the interactive Weather Channel, and the LudiTV games channel.

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