China Mobile launches free SMS via IM client

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Originally uploaded by smstextnews.

Link: China Mobile launches new IM: Free SMS

Shanghailist.com has all the gossip:

For a limited time, China Mobile (all you 134-139, 158, 159 people) is offering free SMS service with just one string attached: download its new instant messenger client, 飞信/Feixin/Fetion (Chinese for ‘flymail”). The IM, at least in its current incarnation is nothing to crow about, but it does have one ass kicking feature you won’t find in MSN, Gtalk or QQ: Free SMS within the China Mobile network, PC to mobile, mobile to PC, and of course mobile to mobile.

An interesting strategy, I’m sure it will be very popular.