Etisalat’s recently launched Voice SMS service has been a phenomenal success.

This popularity of the service has prompted Etisalat to extend the introductory discount offer till February 29, 2008. Customers will only pay Dh0.18 per Voice SMS till the end of the offer period.

Voice SMS service allows Etisalat customers to communicate with family and friends more frequently in a more personal manner instead of sending SMS, said an official spokesman.

Mobile customers of Etisalat have found the Voice SMS facility an ideal solution to exchange their greetings, allowing them to record their personal voice clips of up to 30 seconds instead of typing text SMS and sending it to any other Etisalat mobile users, who will receive the SMS notification and the steps to follow to retrieve the Voice message.

The most significant feature of this service is that since the message is recorded in the sender’s own voice, there are no language restrictions as with text SMS. This is enabling the multicultural population of the UAE to reach out and connect with their friends and family in their own language.
 
There are no handset specifications or settings required for this service. To send a voice SMS, simply dial * (star) followed by the full Etisalat mobile number and press the call button. The sender will then be prompted to record their message after the tone, after recording the voice SMS simply disconnect or press any key to hear more options.

Retrieval of the message for the first time is free of charge by calling *0* and retrieval of old messages, by calling *1*. Retrieval of old voice messages will be charged at normal local mobile call charges. Etisalat customers will be able to store up to 20 voice messages. – TradeArabia News Service