ICQ goes mobile in Israel

Mobile presence and directory experts Neustar have announced they’ve fully mobilised the popular ICQ Instant Messaging solution in Israel, following a soft launch in May 2007. The solution, rolled out for Partner Communications, enables ICQ users to message each other through their mobile phone.

Allen Scott, general manager at NeuStar Next Generation Messaging, said, “Our deal with ICQ is an important step in the global rollout of new mobile IM services. Operators wanting to launch any IM service, including an ICQ Instant Messaging service for the mobile phone, can deal directly with us.”

Iris Beck, vice president, marketing and content at Partner Communications Ltd., said, “We chose to work with NeuStar not only because of its reputation as being one of the most successful mobile IM companies in the world, but also due to its unique relationship with ICQ. This provided us with the means to mobilise ICQ’s popular service for our customers by dealing with only one company – saving time and enabling us to launch quickly and efficiently in Israel.”

Orey Gilliam, CEO of ICQ, said: “The mobile instant messaging opportunity is an important one for ICQ, which has close to 24 million active users worldwide. It is vital for us that we work with companies that have relevant experience and expertise.”