DNA reports that Hutch and Nokia have launched INDISMS, a local language SMS service. One is required to download and install an application (GPRS rates applicable). Languages supported include: Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil and Telugu.
I think this is just a start, and one should expect Nokia to tie up with Airtel and other operators – limiting the service to just one operator will reduce its applicability. From the operators perspective, local language SMS might just increase its usage, and I’m sure they would prefer the service to be handset independent. Question is – will inter-operator and inter-handset manufacturer rivalries be set aside to push this product? Also, voice SMS seems to be more potent a service since it doesn’t need users to be literate.
Related:
– Tegic Launches XT9 Predictive Text In India
– Airtel Launches BubbleTalk in Goa & Maharashtra
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