IRVINE, Calif.-Boost Mobile L.L.C. launched a downloadable client that allows AOL, MSN and Yahoo instant messaging (IM) users to access the services from their handset.
Montreal-based mobile IM developer Oz is powering the service, which is designed to duplicate the PC messaging experience from each service provider. Users can download Boost Messenger directly over their Java-enabled phone or via Boost’s LIVE Web site.
The service costs $1 a day per IM service provider for unlimited use. Subscribers are charged only on the days they use the mobile service, Boost said.
“Boost has a strong following with the U.S. youth market, and we are pleased to be working with them to extend the PC-based IM experience to the mobile phone,” said Skuli Mogensen, Oz’s chief executive officer.
Oz has racked up an impressive customer list for its IM service, including deals with Cingular Wireless L.L.C., Sprint Nextel Corp., Virgin Mobile USA Inc., T-Mobile USA Inc. and Bell Canada.