Free SMS 'Breaking News' service

Allied Newspapers, publisher of The Times and The Sunday Times, will from tomorrow be launching a new text message 'Breaking News' service for local mobile phone subscribers.

Using the fast-paced news gathering and distribution centre of timesofmalta.com, the aim will be to deliver breaking news headlines via SMS directly to anyone subscribing to the service.

The headlines delivered will be short, informative and timely.

The service, which will carry essential news, will be free to anyone who sends an SMS to 9918 0018.

The service will be free to local subscribers by carrying offers by local advertisers at the end of the news headlines.

Allied's business development manager Phelim Cavlan said: "Our busy lifestyle prompts this kind of service. Offering the service to subscribers of any mobile network means that there is no limitation to who can participate."

The service is offered in partnership with Vodafone, although all local mobile phone users may subscribe for free.

Full details about the service are available from www.timesofmalta.com.