FCI Broadband looks to score
Local and long distance provider FCI Broadband is taking the hockey playoffs to a new mobile level. The Markham, Ont.-based company will, upon request, change customers’ outbound call displays to contain a message supporting the Toronto Maple Leafs in their quest for the Stanley Cup. The free offer enables customers to choose from six congratulatory Leafs messages, including Leafs No. 1, Leafs 4 Stanley, Leafs 4 the Cup, Love the Leafs, Leaf Fan and Go Leafs Go. At press time, the service was planned to be operational as long as the Leafs remained in the playoffs, the company said. For more information, visit www.fcibroadband.com.
Car thief texts apology
An Australian woman persuaded the person that stole her car last month to bring it back using her cell phone’s text messaging capability. Lee Alaban found her car was stolen while she was at work, and text messaged her son’s phone, which was still in the car. Alaban wrote that the car was a gift from her father before he passed away and explained that gifts for her son’s birthday were in the trunk. Guilt apparently getting the better of him, the thief messaged Alaban where to find the car, which he abandoned in a parking lot, not before taking the presents in the trunk. According to reports, Alaban sent the the thief a final note, which read, “If I ever lock myself out of my car, I’ll send you a message.”
No nine lives for Ford Internet ad
Ford Motor Co. has pulled an Internet ad which featured a computer-generated cat being decapitated by the vehicle’s moon roof. The ad for the European hatchback, the Sportka, depicts a realistic orange cat climbing on top of the car and poking its head inside the moon roof. The roof slides closed and the ad shows the struggling kitty before it’s headless body falls to the ground. According to Ford, the company did not authorize the ad and called it “unacceptable and reprehensible.” The ad has since been pulled from e-mail and Internet marketing campaigns.
Canadian youths wooed to vote via text messaging
Last month, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Associated, in conjunction with the Dominion Institute, launched Youth Text 2004, a text message campaign designed to entice more of the country’s young people to take an interest in the issues surrounding the next federal election. As part of the campaign, Canadian mobile phone users will be able to use a five- or six-digit “short code” to send questions or statements to the federal political parties. Parties can, in turn, respond to questions and comments via text messaging. Details and instructions can be found at Canada’s Text Messaging Resource Centre at www.txt.ca. Wireless carriers involved in Youth Text 2004 include, Bell Mobility, Aliant Mobility, Microcell Solutions, MTS Mobility, NorthernTel Mobility, Rogers Wireless, SaskTel Mobility, Telebec Mobilite and Telus Mobility.