Google launches SMS service offering local info

Oct 10: The search engine giant Google adding another technology and service to its ever increasing business network launched a search service to mobile users on Tuesday. With the availability of this service, mobile users can easily access local information on their mobile simply sending a request message to Google SMS number.

For the time being the Google SMS is available for Reliance, Bharti Airtel, BSNL, BPL and Aircel subscriber as per the agreement with the companies and may extend to other service providers. Also the service is available only for the users of Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

With the ever increasing mobile telephone subscribers in India and being one of the leading internet search providers, it was obvious for a company like Google to come up with some innovative service with better business visibility.

Users only need to send a message to get any information including location of nearest hospital, restaurant, movie timings, business listing and many other services. This service does not require internet enabled mobile phone which makes it handy in terms of users. SMS number is 54664 or 5GOOG in some.

As Google has the expertise in offering any kind of search info on internet including its local search for business directory or business listing will further get a boost from this SMS option. Users only have to pay a normal service SMS fee as per the operator’s plan who charges Rs 1 to Rs 3 per SMS.

Google has already been providing this service in other countries but in Asia it is for the first time. The company after analyzing response from the four cities will plan to launch in other cities.

Google representative for India Mr. Vinay Goel said “the company had a plan to capture the growing Indian mobile market and we are looking to expand search beyond Internet”.

“The services will be very useful for mobile subscriber base in India,” he added.

However, he did not reveal any kind of revenue sharing deal with the mobile operators.

For more info visit www.google.co.in/sms