GroupM partners AIS to launch text ad service

BANGKOK - The digital arm of GroupM, mInteraction, has teamed up with Advanced Info Service (AIS) to launch SMS2.0, an interactive mobile text service, in Thailand.

The new initiative is designed to allow MindShare clients such as HSBC, Pizza Hut, Sunsilk and Lufthansa to send interactive ads to the mobiles of AIS, Thailand’s leading mobile phone operator.

Paul Gibbins, managing partner of MindShare Thailand, said: “Our clients are leaders in their sectors and are always interested to be involved with likeminded companies that help them deliver relevant messages to an interested audience. This is an interesting move forward in making mobile marketing a channel of choice.”

Pratthana Leelapanang, assistant vice-president of AIS’ wireless service marketing, said, “Given the heavy use of up to 300 million text messages per month from AIS users, advertisers can be assured that SMS2.0 will be a promising new medium.”