Nawras launches another first with SMS classified ads

For the first time in the Sultanate, Nawras Mousbak and Nawras Ajel customers can place an advertisement and pay for it using their mobile phone. Nawras has joined hands with Muscat Press and Publishing House to introduce this easy and useful way to book a classified advertisement, in either Arabic or English.

Value added services marketing manager, Mohamed bin Jaffer Al Najwani, said, "This is another first from Nawras and another example of Nawras adding greater convenience for customers who are now able to use their mobile phone to place and pay for an advertisement. As a fast and easy way to promote an item for sale, we expect this SMS service to quickly become a favourite with many of our customers."

Nawras customers can now send an SMS with a maximum of 250 characters to 90018, starting with the letters CLS, followed by an advertisement which includes the contact number. For example: CLS For Sale BMW 520i Model 2005, mileage 120,000 km. Excellent condition, for RO 5,200. Serious buyers contact Ahmed 9XXXXXXX.

Advertising messages sent to 90018 will be charged at the standard SMS rate of just 10 Baisa and customers will receive an SMS message in return to confirm receipt of their advertising request. Messages sent before 1.30pm will be scheduled for publishing the following day, subject to approval and space availability.

Newspaper personnel will then review the advertisement and once approved, they will send a confirmation message back to the Nawras customer to let them know the confirmed publishing date. At this point, the standard charge of RO2.5 will be made. If for any reason there are insufficient funds available, the Nawras Mousbak customer will receive a reminder to recharge their credit before trying again.

"This is a value added service we are offering our readers, subscribers and users of our classified services," said Syed Hussain, IT Manager, Times of Oman and Al Shabiba newspaper (MPPH). "I am sure many people will welcome this service as now they can save time and avoid the trouble of physically going to the paper's office to place their advertisement," he added.

Nawras, a Qtel Group company, is always exploring new ways to add value to its mobile experience and to ensure that Nawras customers always get more. This innovative company was also first to recently introduce Future SMS, Flash SMS and SMS2Email, as part of its portfolio of over 60 value added services.

Nawras covers 96% of the population with its reliable EDGE network and over 40% with its trusted 3G+ network.