In some exciting IVR news this week, Vodafone (News - Alert), an England-based, multinational telecommunications company, today revealed that it is launching a new IVR-based service called Behtar Zindagi in rural India.

Reportedly, Vodafone India boasts more than 70 million mobile subscribers, and “mobile VAS is a major focus area,” according to Telecom Lead Asia today.

The new service – Behtar Zindagi – was developed to meet the “information needs” of those living in these rural areas of India, providing subscribers with information on such things as agriculture, weather updates, rural finance, mandi rates, live stocks, health and more. Additionally, users can ask a question to the service’s expert on any of these topics or related issues and are guaranteed an answer within one to two days’ time.

Available 24x7, Vodafone’s IVR service is accessible throughout all of India and is available in 16 regional languages, the report notes.

And the authenticity of this service has surely not gone unnoticed, either. The report continues:

The content has been segregated at state and district level that helps users to get detailed and micro level information. All the content has been sourced from government institutions, universities, private organizations and NGOs ensuring that it is authenticated.

If you’re interested in using this service, simply dial 556780 (toll free), and you will be able to try 10 minutes for free as part of a free trial program. Subscribers can also enjoy this service at a cost-effective per minute usage rate.

To check out the report in full, click here.