Sprint Launches Three New Mobile Chat Services; Jumbuck Island, The Lounges, Webdate Mobile...

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Customers of Sprint (NYSE:S) now have three new ways to use their phones to meet, greet and chat with people across the street or across the globe. Today Sprint announced the availability of Jumbuck Island from Jumbuck Entertainment (ASX: JMB), The Lounges from AirG, and

"As mobile chat services become more and more popular, customers are asking for more ways to use the services to stay connected and meet new people while on the go," said John Styers director of Data Services for Messaging and Imaging for Sprint. "These three new services from Jumbuck, AirG and Trilibis give Sprint customers unique ways to reach others locally or around the world, whether it's to find people with common interests or find a date. It's just one more way Sprint is bringing exclusive services to our customers."

"Mobile chat services are a natural extension of online communities," said Linda Barrabee, senior analyst, Yankee Group Wireless/Mobile US. "I expect to see that just as with other mobile services that have been at the intersection of online and mobile experiences, ubiquity drives greater demand."

Jumbuck Island

Jumbuck Island is an innovative new 3D wireless chat service, exclusive to Sprint for the first three months. The first of its kind on wireless phones in the United States, Jumbuck Island brings elements from massively popular multiplayer PC games and Internet chatrooms into one service. Users of the service can customize their appearance and choose from different avatars to represent themselves. Once on the island, users can wander around the different areas, including beaches, cruise ships and waterfalls, and send public messages or chat with other users in private one-on-ones. Jumbuck Island is available for $3.99 per month.

"We are delighted to launch Jumbuck Island, the world's first massively multiplayer chatroom environment, on Sprint PCS Vision and Power Vision networks," said Adrian Risch, founder and CEO of Jumbuck. "Users can select a cool avatar and chat in exotic locations that feature beautiful beaches, pool parties, hidden waterfalls and cruise ships."