BBC Urdu launches single number for mobile news

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BBC Urdu launches single number for mobile news

Mobile phone users across Pakistan can now listen to news and sports bulletins from BBC Urdu on their phones via the dedicated short code 447474. By calling the number, subscribers to any mobile phone network in Pakistan can now choose between the BBC’s one-minute news or sports bulletins on demand. The BBC bulletins are updated throughout the day and the number of updates will increase if there is a breaking news story. Calls cost 3 Rupees per minute.

Head of BBC Urdu, Aamer Ahmed Khan, says: “Pakistan is among the world’s most dynamic news markets, evidenced by the success of our news bulletins through our partner FM stations. We are confident that our mobile news offer will be similarly welcomed in the country’s highly competitive market because of the credibility and quality associated with the BBC Urdu brand.”

BBC World Service Business Development Manager for South Asia, Helen Kathuria, adds: “The BBC is always looking for ways to reach our audiences – with people’s changing lifestyles it’s especially important for us to reach people in ways that suit them. For the first time, we are able to offer on-demand news to everyone in Pakistan with a mobile phone, regardless of the network they are using.”
There are about 100 million mobile phone subscribers in Pakistan.