Over 94 million people in Indonesia now have the opportunity to learn English through their mobile phones, as the archipelagic nation’s largest operator, PT Telkomsel, has agreed to distribute and support the Urban English Language Learning Program on its network.
Developed by US-based Urban Planet Mobile, the program will allow each subscriber to receive detailed English lessons daily to their mobile phones via text messages (SMS) with an attached English Learning ring tone.
There is a significant demand to learn English among the Indonesian population, especially within the global business community where the predominant language is English. Learning English is important for Indonesia and its business community to raise its standing in the global business community, as well as to increase its Foreign Direct Investment.
The agreement gives Urban Planet Mobile a substantial foothold in the Asia Pacific market, the region with the highest number of mobile phone subscriptions in the world.
“In Indonesia geography demands that cell phones are the primary tool of communication and the sheer quantity of people that use them make them the perfect educational tool,” said CEO and founder of Urban Planet Mobile, Brian Oliver Smith. “Each day the student receives a quick language lesson set to music which simultaneously utilizes three types of learning: reading, audio and kinetic learning, a combination proven to boost memory.”
Rachel Goh, Telkomsel’s Vice President of Product Lifecycle Management, added, “Urban English service will certainly bring added value to all Indonesian willing to learn English, which is now even easier only by using their mobile phones anytime anywhere. This English learning SMS and audio based service is one of solutions we offer for our customers, especially for our school community members. It has been part of our commitment to provide best and leading mobile lifestyle service solutions that benefit our customers.”
The lessons from the Urban English program focus on everyday words and phrases used in a variety of social situations for the international businessman or student wanting a better grasp of daily life and language. The program is generalised while still being available for a variety of topics from entertainment to shopping to dining out, and is in audio to assist in better comprehension and increased communication skills. The program costs less than $5.00 per month.
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