Cellular services for holidaymakers
Cellular services for holidaymakers
Holidaymakers celebrating Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year will be able to access nearest points of services during their journeys by using their cellular phone handsets.
The TelkomselSIAGA service is provided by GSM operator Telkomsel. It offers ease to holidaymakers as they do not have to memorize many numbers, only easy-to-memorize four-digit numbers.
Through the numbers, holidaymakers, will be able to find information on automotive service, ATMs, police assistance, hotels, hospitals, traffic and gas stations.
For automotive service, for example, Telkomsel users can just call 1000 for Isuzu, 7000 Daihatsu and 8000 Suzuki. For general information, dial 1234.
This service, effective from Dec. 18, 2000, to Jan. 5, 2001, is offered for routes traditionally packed during the seasons. With Idul Fitri falling between Christmas and New Year, there will be an even bigger exodus.
Routes covered by TelkomselSIAGA are South Sumatra, Java and Bali.
Telkomsel has arranged a clustering method, grouping some Base Transceiver Stations in certain areas. So, callers are able to dial the four-digit numbers to get information. This is similar to when GSM users want to make an emergency call: they dial 112 anywhere there is GSM coverage.
With regard to customer care, it collaborates with other car dealers, handset maker, Bank Central Asia, Pro2 FM and other radio stations along the routes in South Sumatra, Java and Bali.
Telkomsel is the nation's leader of GSM, frequently introducing services based on the latest technology.
The company introduced recently mobile banking, which allows the cellular handset can operate like an ATM.
In cooperation with Panin Bank, services provided on this mobile banking facility include account statements, fund transfers, details on the last five transactions, monthly billing charge payments (electricity, water, telephones, credit cards and Telkomsel's kartuHALO), and interest rate information as well as PIN changing mode.
Telkomsel also tries to offer top-quality service not only to its postpaid users, but also to its prepaid simPATI card holders.
The number of mobile telephone subscribers has been growing in Indonesia. The number is expected to climb from 2.05 million in 1999 to 3.2 million by the end of 2000 and 4.5 million in 2001.
GSM is also run by Satelindo and Excelcomindo. Telkomsel, however, is the leader in terms of number of subscribers as it has established a solid customer base, especially in all major cities around the archipelago.
In the sharp competition for mobile telecommunications services, each player will have to offer various value-added services for the sake of customer satisfaction.
Hopefully, travelers, not only those who own cars, during the holidays of Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year will benefit from TelkomselSIAGA.
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