Google announced today the launch of Google SMS™ for mobile users in India. This beta offering brings the power of Google™ Search to users’ fingertips, making information available on the move, without the need of a computer or an Internet-enabled phone.

With Google SMS mobile messaging service, users can get business listings, movie showtimes and more simply by sending a text message to the shortcode 54664 [5GOOG] from their mobile phones. This service is currently available on the Airtel, Aircel, BPL, BSNL and Reliance networks, and has relevant local data for mobile users in Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Carriers’ premium text messaging rates apply.

“There’s no denying the importance of text messaging in India, and the launch of Google SMS is a natural next step for our mobile strategy,” said Vinay Goel, Head of Products, Google India. “Millions of new mobile users are being added every month, and Google SMS will provide them with a quick and easy way to get the information they need when and where they need it.”

Searching through Google SMS is simple. For example, a user seeking information on pizzerias in Andheri West can text message [pizza andheri west mumbai] to 54664, and a list of pizza restaurants in that area will be delivered to his or her phone within seconds. Google SMS allows for searches by common locality names, and ranks results by proximity to the specified location. The service also saves time by saving a user’s location, so they don’t have to type their location every time they search.

Check out www.google.co.in/sms for an online demo and additional features, and the attached appendix for more information on how to use Google SMS.

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