Yell.com to offer business listings search for mobiles

Yell.com, the online arm of directories giant Yell, has launched a service which lets mobile phone users search its business listings database and download maps showing exactly where advertisers such as restaurants, cinemas and taxi companies are located.

Yell.com head of mobile Martin Wilson says that the service was developed after extensive research into what information mobile users look for. As a result, Yell.com has set up a series of “most popular category” menus – such as “days and nights out” or “gifts and shopping” – which allow speedy access to specific data. Wilson adds: “We’re gearing how we present the information to what mobile users ask for most frequently.”

Users can also search Yell’s entire database of more than 2 million businesses by business name, business type, location or postcode. They can access a range of premium-rate add-on services including full-colour streetmaps with icons showing where selected businesses are located. Alternatively, they can input their location and get directions for how to reach the selected business, or download an electronic business card.

Wilson claims Yell.com mobile is the most advanced business information service for mobile users available anywhere in Europe. It is compatible with a large number of next-generation Java enabled handsets and operates on the four main UK mobile networks, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone.