Google India Launches 5GOOG Text Messaging Service

Finally, Google has launched beta version of their text messaging service in India. Mobile users can now use Google to access information on-the-move without using an internet-enabled mobile device.

Mobile users can use the service to check weather, movie show timings, search for businesses and more by sending text messaging their queries to 54664 ("5GOOG"). Supported mobile operators are Airtel, Aircel, BPL, BSNL and Reliance. Google SMS is a premium text messaging service, so it will cost you more than standard text messaging rate. Interactive demo of the service is available here.

Google SMS is a premium SMS service; queries sent to 54664 will be charged at the following rates:

• Aircel: Rs. 3.00
• Airtel: Rs. 2.00
• BPL: Rs. 3.00
• BSNL: Rs. 0.80/1.00 (post-paid/pre-paid)
• Reliance: Rs. 3.00

Here in India, text messaging is the most widely adopted form of communication, especially among teenagers. It makes complete sense to offer a quick way to look-up Google without having access to the internet.

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