Onetouch, the mobile phone subsidiary of state-owned Ghana Telecom, has introduced fixed public GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) terminals in secondary schools for student use.

The latest addition to Onetouch services, known as S-Link, seeks to expand the company's subscription base.

S-Link, launched Aug. 13, has the functions of a standard mobile phone and can be used to make and receive calls, said Onetouch marketing official Chris Tsegah.

The GSM terminals enable students to receive a permanent personal number on the Onetouch network, allowing the user to take advantage of a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) phone book and other personal functions.

Terminals have full voice functionality and operate in prepaid mode with a Onetouch SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. The facilities are built to withstand Ghana's harsh environment and can be mounted either indoors or outdoors.

To use S-Link, students must purchase a Onetouch starter pack with credit. They also have the option of subscribing to any of the value-added services available on the Onetouch network, such as SMS (Short Message Service) and free night calling.

The project is currently running on a pilot basis in six Ghanian senior high schools.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.