BBVA, Telcel launch bank account service

Mexico's largest financial group BBVA Bancomer has launched a new service that allows clients to check their account balances through their cellular handset, the group said in a statement Monday. The new service known as "Alertas Bancomer en tu Celular" is based on the Bancomer.net Internet platform and the short messaging technology (SMS) of mobile operators. Users will receive notification of account movements via a message sent to their cell phone, at a cost of one peso (about 10 US cents) per message. The service will initially be available to users of Mexico's largest mobile operator Telcel, with a view to incorporating other providers at a later date. Telcel has about 80% of Mexico's 27 million-plus cell phone users.