KGB TO EXPAND INTO US TEXT MARKET

Following their recently announced enhancements to their British SMS text service, kgb, formerly INFONXX, announced plans to launch a text-based information service in the US. Though details weren't immediately available and the service doesn't seem to be up yet, kgb says that their new FIND product, Text411, will be the most comprehensive human-powered information service capable of providing precise answers to virtually any question. kgb has a long history of working with carriers and says their service will give carriers the ability to take advantage of the popularity of text, though it is unclear how this will occur. kgb hopes that this service may allow them to double their annual volume, from one billion calls--or answers--to two billion.

kgb is a relative late comer to the "texting" space. The following is a brief survey of past, and current, information services delivered via text:

- 411sms (87411) delivers local listings, directions, alerts, text messages without revealing your number. No ads.

- 411-song (formerly 47171, now +1 [866] 411-song) identifies songs.

- 422, Inc. (422ME), now defunct.

- 4Info (44636) delivers information, ad driven.

- AskMe (27563) didn't work when we tried it, but their website suggests that it should provide info ranging from 411 lookups to Wikipedia search.

- Dodgeball (36343), now part of Google, is a social networking site that offers limited search service.

- Google (46645) offers extensive search service.

- UpSnap (2Snap) (27627) provides variety of free information ranging from 411 to weather.

- Yahoo! (92466) delivers category search.

- YellowPages.com (YP411) (97411) returns category information with link to yplocal.mobi information.

More information is expected shortly. -Stuart Whitaker