eBay users will now be able to receive alerts on their cell phone when they are outbid on an item, and instantly rebid by cell phone. InPhonic Inc. will offer the new wireless service using two-way SMS technology.
Wireless Rebidding for eBay allows real-time bidding from any mobile phone or other wireless device that is capable of sending and receiving simple text messages using a technology known as Short Message Service (SMS).
The service also works with Internet-enabled cell phones that use the Wireless Application Protocol or WAP, though it does not require a WAP-enabled phone. There were more than 100 million cell phones capable of SMS messaging in use in the United States at the end of 2001, according to estimates by the Yankee Group.
The new Wireless Rebidding service will allow eBay users unlimited wireless alerts and rebidding on eBay listings for a monthly fee of $2.99. The premium service will also include a range of other information services, including wireless broadcasts of news, weather, sports and other information.
The service platform is compatible with the nation's six major wireless carriers. Nextel will be the first major carrier to bring Wireless Rebidding with the integrated billing feature to their customers.
http://www.InPhonic.com
