Pegasus Data Solutions, a Clonmel-based firm, wants to install hundreds of coin-operated mobile phone charging units in public places across the Republic. The charging units, which have been branded Yaps, will enable people who have run out of battery life on their mobile to recharge them in just 20 minutes.
The Yap device is wall- or desk-mounted and has speech technology, an LCD display and a PIN code system to offer customers ease of use and additional security. It incorporates genuine manufacturer mobile connectors and the device's central processing unit can be programmed to regulate the correct voltage to prevent damage.
The Yap is compatible with almost 90 different makes of mobile phone currently in use in the Republic. It can also be upgraded to charge new mobile models brought onto the market with a software upgrade and a new connector if needed, according to Pegasus.
The company, which was founded in March 2002, has negotiated the rights to market the recharging device from the European distributors of a Korean-based firm called Protopia.
Mr PJ Hunt, technical director of Pegasus, said the company wanted to deploy Yap devices at public places such as hotels and restaurants. He said the firm had already launched the Yap at the Galway races and enjoyed considerable initial success. "We brought four units to the stand [each with four ports] and for the week every port was fully occupied, from early morning to late at night. That's 16 phones charged every 20 minutes," he said.
Pegasus wants to sell its Yap units to hotels, restaurants and airports to generate revenue. It will also seek to create sales and partnerships with other technology firms and mobile operators. The cost of the Yap will be between €4,000 and €7,000. Mr Hunt said the company would recommend that firms which install the devices charge about €2 or €3 per charge. Or they could offer the service free to give added value to their customers.
To use the recharger users must follow a number of steps:
1) Press a button to begin. A voice welcomes the user and asks them to find the correct code for the type of mobile phone they are using. These are listed beside the machine.
2) Enter this mobile code. Yap asks the user to key in a separate four-digit security code - this should be remembered by the user.
3) The user enters this four-digit code. Yap asks the user to enter the correct amount of money to pay for recharging. When this is done a port opens in the device.
4) The user must then connect the phone to the correct port and close a security gate on the Yap. The phone is then charged for 20 minutes.
5) The user can collect the phone by keying in the four-digit security PIN number to release the gate.
