The BBC has teamed up with hardware-software provider Solvo International to launch a mobile telephone news service in Russia. BBC Dial-Up News provides mobile phone subscribers in the Moscow region with access to international news, in Russian and English. They simply dial 0613 for instant news updates. Solvo International makes BBC Dial-Up News service available to the users of BeeLine network in the Moscow region.
The deal will also be extended to the subscribers of another major Russian mobile operator, MTS, and if the service proves successful in the Moscow region, both BeeLine and MTS plan to expand it throughout Russia.
The BBC’s news bulletins are updated from London every 30 minutes providing subscribers to the service with the latest information on world events. The BBC Dial-Up News service costs the equivalent of US $0.50 plus VAT per minute.
The Head of BBC Russian Service, Sara Beck, said: “Russia is a very important market for BBC World Service, and we are constantly seeking new ways to serve our Russian-speaking audience better. BBC Dial-Up News is a new service for the community which is rapidly integrating into the world’s socio-economic system, as mobile phones have become an essential tool to many Russians.”
Leonid Arbatman, the President of Solvo International, added: “Listening to the BBC news is a time-tested habit for Russian news seekers. Through Solvo International’s cutting edge technology and market leadership in innovative products and services in Russia, the partnership with the BBC will provide mobile phone subscribers in Russia with a way of keeping abreast with the world events which is unique for this market.”
In addition to the bulletins in Russian and English, BBC Dial-Up News service also offers its Russian-speaking subscribers business news and short English language lessons, A Phrase a Day.