AskLaila.com makes its SMS-based local search service available on long code 99-33-555-555

by Satrajit Sen

AskLaila.com has made its SMS-based local search service, which was originally launched with a short code 58989, available on long code 99-33-555-555. The service allows users to send the query as an SMS to the long code and get the results in a reply SMS. AskLaila also offers its local search service through its website, mobile web, voice and digital television.

If a user from New Delhi is looking for a spa in South Extension, he will just need to type ‘spa, south ext’ and send it to 99-33-555-555 to receive the results. Similarly, for making a query about open air restaurant in Andheri, Mumbai users need to type ‘openair restaurant, andheri’ and send the SMS. According to the company, it detects the city from the user’s mobile number and hence, users are not needed to specify the city, unless they are trying to find stuff in another city.

“The short code only operated with three carriers that were Airtel, Vodafone and Reliance. We wanted to expand our services to the increasing number of new carriers that are coming in now. Moreover, the short code service involved premium charges and it did not make any sense for users to pay Rs 3 to Rs 6 for a piece of local information,” Shriram Adukoorie, co-founder, AskLaila, has told AlooTechie.

According to Adukoorie, the SMS-based local search service will now be available with all the carriers in the country and can be accessed from all over India. “Our database has information about 12 cities and users can consume information on these cities from all parts of the country,” Adukoorie added. AskLaila plans to monetise the service as and when it attracts a good number of users adopting this new service.