Digi Promotions: Free IM

Digi always have something going on, and this is just another stuff they are trying out: Mobile IM. IM, or instant messaging, is popular with the teenagers today because it allows them to stay in touch in real-time. Digi is now bringing this convenience to your phone, allowing you to IM-on-the-go. What's more, the service is offered FREE until the 31st of December 2007.

To activate, you need to download the application for your mobile phone and the best method is to just use their user menu:

via *128# UMB
Step 1 : Dial *128#
Step 2 : Select Mobile Service > GPRS > Phone Setup >
More Settings > MIM

You will be sent a link to download the Java app, which weighs in around 250kb, and this will cost you RM2.50 if you are using prepaid (GPRS charges of 10kb/10sen). After that, install the app and you are good to go! On the PC side, you can get access to the IM platform offered by Digi by downloading a small PC software from this link. Install it and you are good to go (you might need to install .NetFX platform if you don't have it yet. Don't worry, the installer will direct you to the site automatically).

Once everything is set up, it behaves just like any other IM platform (MSN, Yahoo, etc). You get a log in page, where you enter in your particulars and use Digi's OCS code as the password. After you are logged in, you can start chatting! The service allows you to send IM even to people who didn't subscribe to the service, as your message will automatically be converted into SMS and sent to that person.

Right now the service is in trial so it's free until the end of this year. After that, you will need to pay RM2/day or RM25/month to enjoy unlimited use of the service. GPRS charges will be waived when using their MobileIM application. This is wonderful for people who message a lot. Personally, I think I spend close to RM35 every month messaging my gf, so I can save quite a bit. Not sure if there will be a catch yet, because as I see it right now, for a low fee of RM25, you can have UNLIMITED SMS to send to anyone, any network. So for message-freaks out there, this is one deal you don't want to miss.