Our Bureau

Chennai , Jan. 5

AIRCEL, the cellular company that operates in the Chennai and Tamil Nadu circles, has launched an SMS-based facility where its subscribers can get acupressure tips for various ailments.

Called `MobiHealth,' the service provides tips for various ailments ranging from the common cold to obesity.

Initially, tips for 53 ailments will be available, and Aircel will expand this number to about 200 as usage increases, according to Mr K.V.P. Baskar, Chief Executive Officer, Aircel.

Aircel, part of the Sterling group, has tied up with TechZone, a company that offers a range of SMS content to cellular operators and Internet service providers, and Dr M.N. Shankar, an acupressure specialist, for this service.

Aircel subscribers need to key in "health" followed by the ailment for which they require acupressure relief and send the message to 6060, and they will get an SMS reply, according to Mr Baskar.

Initially, Aircel will charge Rs 5 for each SMS for this service. The company has an exclusive agreement with TechZone for providing this service, according to him.

He was confident that the service would be a success with Aircel's subscribers in both the circles.

Aircel had about 16 lakh subscribers in the Chennai and Tamil Nadu circles at the end of December 2004.

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