“txtWeb”, an SMS-based app platform, is exploring tie-ups with handset vendors Samsung and Micromax, to provide services including information through text messages.

The Bangalore-based start-up, funded and incubated by Intuit Inc of US, allows user access to information, through basic handsets, those without Internet connectivity, or in places of poor data reception. According to Manish Maheshwari, Co-Founder & Managing Director, txtWeb, the app will have an onscreen icon, clicking on which will provide users search options. The app itself will figure out whether to use data or SMS.

“The idea is to not just to provide information to all users, but also to simplify the home-screen from the clutter of multiple apps,” he told Business Line .

Likely agreements with Micromax and Samsung are expected over the next two months and six months, respectively. The company already has an existing tie-up with Karbonn Mobiles.

One can SMS keywords to obtain information including academic content, social networking, sports, news, financial tools, games, and even PNR statuses, among others.

Every SMS sent is charged at 50 paise per query or ₹1per day for unlimited ones, based on subscription. Queries can also be sent using mobile data packs. txtWeb has nearly 12 million users.

Revenue Model

End users make payments to the telecos only, either for the SMSes or the internet package cost. However, txtWeb earns through the revenue shared by the telecom operators. It has tie-ups in this regard with Vodafone, Airtel, Idea, Tata Docomo and Aircel.

This apart, the company also has a monthly revenue model for businesses, like MakeMyTrip or Cricbuzz. “We are still not breaking even, but, plan to do so in a year’s time,” he added.

Payments

According to Maheshwari, txtWeb is also exploring the possibility of entering the mobile payments space. It’ll act as an aggregator, facilitating small value payments between persons. Similar payment solutions have been launched in the US already. “We will start exploring the payments space here over the next two to three months,” he added. txtWeb is planning to double the head-count to 24, over the next one year (it follows an August to July financial year).

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