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26th July,2004

Australia : 3, Australia’s only third generation (3G) mobile network, has joined forces with Australian developers Echo Solutions and Mapshed to launch the first location-based mobile data service for the real estate industry called Loc3.

3G handset ( A925 pictured ) shows screenshot as part of trials with local Australian Real Estate agents.

A three month pilot at First National Real Estate’s Dural office showed that using Loc3 and 3’s Motorola A925 phones, sales agents were around 25 per cent more efficient and vendor listings were secured more easily.

First National Dural has now elected to use the Loc3 solution commercially and equipped its sales team with Motorola A925s.

“The A925 phones running Loc3 have saved us at least two hours a day by enabling agents to download, enter and send data at high-speed in the field and generate reports on the spot. Now that properties can be viewed online only a few minutes after the valuation, vendors and buyers have been very impressed,” said Pauline O’Neill, Principal Sales, Dural First National.

“In an increasingly competitive property market, new technology such as this gives us an edge over the competition and helps attract new listings,” she said.

By entering the required location into Loc3, agents can use the high-speed 3 phones or a lap top with a wireless, 3 NetConnect Card to download accurate maps and aerial photos, calculate distances from points of interest (eg schools, transport), call-up sales histories, current listings, appraisals and forecasts while on location with a potential vendor. Downloads at broadband speeds are available in 3’s Video Zones.*

After providing an on-the-spot valuation, images and videos of a new property shot using the A925 phone can be emailed back to the office and to the vendor just seconds after the meeting. Loc3 and email on 3 operate in 3’s Video & Messaging Zones.

Loc3 is currently working with First National Dural to develop a new module for rental property management so that agents can email inspection reports to the office and landlords on the spot.

“Loc3 harnesses the speed of 3’s network, and the versatility of Motorola A925 phones and NetConnect wireless cards, to boost revenue and cut operating costs for the real estate industry,” said Nigel Dews, 3’s Director of Sales, Marketing and Product.

“3 has increased the speed and cut the cost of wireless data for Australian business making it a more viable tool to improve customer service and boost worker efficiency,” he said.

The product is the first to emerge from Hutchison’s Developers on 3 program and will be marketed globally by Mapshed and Echo Solutions in association with 3.

Loc3 is available as a hosted solution (companies do not need to download software) or real estate agents can deploy it on their existing information technology infrastructure. The application can also be accessed via any PC with a Web browser and via the 3 NetConnect Card.

Loc3 is commercially available now from www.loc3.com with pricing varying according to the type of solution required and the number of offices within which it is used.

Motorola A925s are available from Hutchison for $35 per month for 24 months# with 3’s $99 Mobile Broadband Cap.

*Download speeds of up to 384kbps are attainable in 3's Video Zones and download speeds of up to 40kbps are attainable in 3’s Messaging Zones. The speed of the NetConnect Card and Mobile Internet will vary according to the zone you are in. Actual user speed may vary depending on a number of factors including location, network usage, equipment and applications used and worldwide Internet performance.
#Total minimum cost over 24 months is $840. If service is disconnected within 24 months all remaining instalments are payable. Connection only available to customers who both reside and work at addresses within 3's video coverage areas OR to customers with an ABN or ACN who have a business address and predominately carry on business within 3’s video coverage areas.

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