All Indian Radio launches free SMS-based news service

The All India Radio has launched an SMS-based news service which will enable subscribers to access important news over their mobile phones. In addition to news headlines, subscribers will receive information regarding various utility services.

Customers willing to subscribe to the service can SMS 'AIRNEWS <space> their name' to 08082080820. They can also subscribe by giving a missed call to the said number, an official statement said.

The service was launched on a pilot basis six months ago. Given the overwhelming response, the service has been widely launched. The information and broadcasting ministry has noted that so far 200,000 people have subscribed to the new service.

According to a separate report, a small message regarding various public utility schemes will also be tagged along with the news headlines. The returns generated through such public utility schemes will enable AIR to make up the cost for generating SMSes. The report said that AIR has already procured a public service message from HRD ministry to provide the service.

(Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)