Published on the 03/02/2010 | Written by Newsdesk
Co-founder Prentice Robb says many businesses are still finding their feet after the summer break and have been slow to complete listings. Businesses are asked to fork out $129 per month to list on the service. “We are a couple of months behind our s
Co-founder Prentice Robb says many businesses are still finding their feet after the summer break and have been slow to complete listings.
Businesses are asked to fork out $129 per month to list on the service.
“We are a couple of months behind our suggested schedule but it is a strategic delay to ensure that our service standard isn’t compromised,” Robb says.
Testing is underway with Telecom, Vodafone, Telstra and Compass and all landline networks but 2 Degrees is yet to activate the service. More work on the system’s network interface with carriers also needs to be done.
Robb says that business subscribers have also been slow to update their business data due to the summer holiday break and the company is keen to get that data updated before launch so that callers get a complete service from 0133.
The service provides a free local directory service to callers.
Information on registered companies is also given out including promotions and other deals.
Robb and co-founders Paul Aitken and Michael Chang created 0133 seeing it as direct competition to the 018 where callers pay.
018, run by the Yellow Pages Group, has been in the firing line for service issues since Yellow was sold by Telecom and moved its call centre to Manila.
Robb is not fazed by the two month delay and says work has been ongoing for a year.
“Any caller that rings 018 needs to know the name of the business and the region before they can get a number – and they will be charged for the service,” Robb says. “While on 0133 the call will be entirely free.”
He says 0133 has already received over 3000 enquiries despite not being live. The 0133 service is being promoted through business groups such as Master Painters New Zealand Association, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, Restaurant Association of New Zealand and the Hospitality Association NZ.
“It is gaining the endorsement of powerful business groups pleased to see a competitor emerge to challenge the existing service,” he says.
“It suggests 0133 is going to receive overwhelming support from the public.”
Whether the same support is received from the business community remains to be seen.
