Google is teaming up with Russia's leading telecommunications group, Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) to help promote mobile Internet use and Google search services in the country.
The MTS will roll out ad campaigns and promos in its retail stores that showcase Google's voice service, "OK Google." The application will be pre-installed on the home screen of Google's Android smartphones that are sold via MTS retail chains.
As part of the partnership, the mobile phone operator will also get a share of Google's advertising revenues that are generated in Russia.
"MTS will share with Google the cost of mobile Internet promotion and get money from Google's search services under a revenue-sharing scheme," an MTS spokesman said.
Google's Android-based smartphones are the most popular devices in Russia.
"We believe that only close cooperation between operators and Internet companies will lead to efficient and dynamic development of telecommunications," said Vasyl Latsanych, MTS vice president for marketing.
"Most importantly, our subscribers will benefit from this partnership: the most popular OS for smartphones, interactive search options from Google and state-of-the-art data transmission services will bring a real change to the lives of our customers, making them convenient and hassle-free."
OK Google is a voice command used to activate Google Now voice search on Android smartphones and other google devices. Using the application, users can make calls, send texts and search the Internet.
Via: Reuters
