Cell phone to be sell phone

[question everything]

Cell phone to be sell phone

Ads may soon be 'in your face,' but some fret about customer loss

By Matt Richtel
NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE

January 16, 2006

(snip)

Television-style advertising is coming to a mobile phone near you. It is part of a broader push by marketers to create a new generation of "up close and personal" ads by delivering video, audio, banner displays and text clips over a device carried by most American adults.

Marketers said they were particularly excited about the prospect of eventually using cell phones, many of which are equipped with global positioning systems, to send ads to consumers based on their location. With that information, marketers could, in theory, send pitches from retailers to cell phone users who might be in the vicinity of a store.

(snip)

But ads on cell phones pose serious concerns, say consumer advocacy groups. Critics argue that Madison Avenue, having plastered ads on all kinds of empty spaces – such as billboards, building facades and the sides of buses – may soon be intruding on a gadget that has become as common as a wallet.

(snip)

The wireless carriers say the risk of losing customers is a strong incentive to keep down the marketing noise. It is illegal for carriers to sell phone numbers to telemarketers. And in their contracts with content providers such as CBS Sports and other channels, the wireless carriers can keep out advertisers who send unsolicited messages.

By law, carriers are not allowed to divulge information on a subscriber's location unless that individual gives permission. One idea being floated by carriers and advertisers is to offer consumers incentives, such as reduced monthly phone fees, if they agree to receive ads.

(snip)


Find this article at:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060116/news_1n16mobile.html

[Newsjock]

1. Grrr

And then watch how the "reduced" rate magically converges upon the old "regular" rate, just like as with your favorite grocery store "loyalty card."

This has to stop somewhere.

[gumby]

2. "The President's Analyst"

A Classic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_President's_Analyst

[liberaltrucker]

5. Link didn't work

nt

[gumby]

6. delete

can't make it work

[question everything]

8. Try this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_President%27s_Analyst

[DRoseDARs]

3. I'll consent to it if and only if I'm given their CEO's address and #...

...so I can intrude into his life beyond what is reasonable and appropriate. :thumbsup:

[SoCalDem]

4. For FREE phone service, maybe...

Then you could just turn the damn thing OFF until you want to use it.. Your pals could leave voice mail, and you could skip past the ads..

[arcane1]

7. I wonder if any of Bush's wire-tapping involved GPS info?

:shrug:

[question everything]

9. This would be quite easy, wouldn't it? (nt)