BEIJING, March 21 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- TOM Online Inc. (Nasdaq: TOMO; Hong Kong GEM: 8282), a leading wireless Internet company in China, announced today the launch of "Star Catcher", a fun and interactive astrological service delivered to the mobile device of its users, featuring Asia's pop music idol Jay Chou as its ambassador.

All China Mobile users will be given a star of their own along with a certificate when they subscribe to the wireless Internet service by sending a text message "S" to 3883281. They will also receive their star's information which is exclusively provided by the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

One of the most exciting features of the service is Jay Chou, one of Greater China's biggest names in music, will play the role of TOM Online's resident astrologer and answer users' questions by text messaging. In addition to that, once a month, subscribers can nominate and vote for the person whom they think is the most representative of the star sign of that month.

On top of enjoying other features such as star sign reading and chat rooms, subscribers can also submit their wishes each month by text messaging and three lucky users who get drawn by "Star Catcher" will have the chance to see their wishes come true.

"The demand for wireless Internet entertainment services is growing stronger each day among the young and trendy generation of mobile phone users in China. These users demand not only fast and easy access to entertainment at their fingertips anytime they want it but also greater interactivity from these services. Our cooperation on "Star Catcher" with the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences offers precisely the kind of fun and interactive services our users are looking for," said Wang Lei Lei, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of TOM Online.

Wang Yi, Deputy Director of the National Astronomical Observatories, said: "We are more than delighted to have this opportunity to work with a leading mobile Internet company such as TOM Online in promoting the public's interest in astronomy and stargazing. I hope this new service will move our younger generation one step closer to discovering the fun of exploring the universe."

About TOM Online Inc.

TOM Online Inc. (Hong Kong GEM stock code: 8282, NASDAQ stock symbol: TOMO) is a leading mobile internet company in China, operating one of the most successful Internet portals in China ( http://www.tom.com/ ) and offering a wide variety of online and mobile services, including wireless internet and online advertising. In the wireless internet arena, TOM Online provides a diverse range of services such as SMS, MMS and WAP, and is the largest player of wireless internet voice business. As at December 31, 2004, TOM Online is the only portal in China that enjoyed a top three ranking in every wireless internet service segment.

TOM Online is a subsidiary of TOM Group Limited ("TOM Group"), one of the leading Chinese language media groups in the Greater China region. TOM Group's diverse operations span five media sectors: the Internet (through TOM Online Inc.), outdoor (through TOM Outdoor Media Group), publishing, sports and TV & entertainment.

For more information, please contact: Rico Ngai TOM Online Inc. Tel: +86-6528-3399 x6940 Mobile: +86-139-1189-5354

CONTACT: Rico Ngai of TOM Online Inc., +86-6528-3399 x6940, or
+86-139-1189-5354

Web site: http://www.tom.com/