Virgin launches new mobile portal

Location-based services to provide a mobile Yellow Pages?

Virgin Media has boosted its mobile operations by signing a deal with Mobile Commerce to provide location-based services (LBS) to its UK mobile users.

Mobile Commerce will be providing the RoundU local search service, which uses the handset’s location to provide a list of local information. Listings will be provided by partners such as toptable, Itchy Guides and The Press Association. Business listings will be provided by Thomson.

Mapping information will be provided by Multimapping, offering the user information on the location of a listing. As well as listings for restaurants, music gigs, cinemas and hotels, users can also search for local cash machines and petrol stations.

Mobile Commerce CEO, Steve Page, said: “This is very exciting partnership for us, and to be working with such a large and respected high profile, company as Virgin Media - with 10 million customers - is something we’re relishing. Our RoundU service is designed to meet the demands of people’s ever busier lives. Not only do we have over 11,000 recommended drinking and dining venues and 1.9 million business search listings but the service is integrated with our ad server, so it can be monetised with relevant advertising and sponsorship.”

Mobile Commerce, founded in 1999, offers search and location services to mobile operators. Its customers include Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange, Microsoft and Sony Ericsson.

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