Enhanced Mobile Communications Network (EMC Network), Qkey, has launched its platform in the South African Market. As the FIRST network of its kind worldwide, Qkey is set to take the advertising and marketing world to a new level, positioning South Africa as a pioneer and innovative leader in mobile communications.

“With the speed and scale of the world’s love affair with mobile phones, mobile is increasingly being looked to in order to provide the next generation answer to the brand/ consumer communications challenge,” says John Warsop, Executive Director of Qkey. “And while there are mobile marketing ideas in the marketplace today, Qkey provides the solution by putting the power of mobile behind each and every element of a through-the-line communications campaign and in doing so unleashing the full power of mobile.”

With nine years of research behind the launch of this Enhanced Mobile Communications Network, Qkey is proudly first launching in South Africa. The Qkey concept is inspiringly simple, yet powerfully engaging and ultimately convenient.

Qkey is like a TV or radio channel but for your mobile phone. Unlike these channels, the EMC Network is designed to work with existing communications channels. Brands can tag their advertising messages with a Q-number that will allow consumers to find out more by simply ‘Turning On and Tuning In’ to any brand’s own enhanced mobile channel. It’s the power of mobile behind each advertising and communication message.

With brands such as Sterkinekor; FIFA Legacy; Absa; Soweto TV; One Gospel; 1Dynamic Life; DJ Sbu; 5fm, and many more already onboard the Qkey system, the consumer will now have an opportunity to interact with brands that interest them, anytime, anywhere.

“As a mobile communications channel, Qkey has the power to elevate and integrate each element of an existing communications campaign. Brands can now embrace the full power of mobile into their campaigns and measure value and effectiveness in real time” adds Warsop.

With a network of 999 mobile communications channels designed to support and integrate primary advertising and communications initiatives, brands can rent a Q-number or channel eg Q539 allowing any existing communications material to become Q-enabled – be it television; radio; print; cinema; product packaging; or point of sale.

“To use Qkey, you need to turn it on,” says Warsop. To turn it on you need to dial the 087 941 7539/ QKEY. The Q-system will then ask you for the Q-number. You punch in the Q-number you are interested in on the keypad of your mobile phone and you will be connected to the brand. Q-numbers have been limited to a maximum of three digits so they are easy to remember. Once the number, eg. 539, is entered onto the system, consumers can engage with the chosen brand. What you get when you connect to the channel is up to the brand that rents it but it could include more detailed information about a product or service. Perhaps a competition to enter or an opportunity to buy at a discount; Video clips or music tracks; Maps on where to go; coupons to save you money; tickets to concerts; loyalty points to collect and redeem…the opportunities are endless.

Brands need to be creative with the content they choose to host on their channel in order to get maximum engagement with their customers. All it costs consumers is the price of a phone call and any content delivery costs can be off set by the brand, paid for by the consumer or shared between the consumer and the brand.

For more information and to try out Qkey, go to www.qkey.co.za or ‘Turn On’ by dialing 087 941 7539 and ‘Tune In’ by entering Q-number 539.