Russia-based media group Rambler has signed an agreement with ICQ, a instant messaging service provider owned by America Online, to provide 2-way SMS services in Russia.

Rambler's mobile content division SMXCOM will provide the technical interface with ICQ, the billing platform and the GSM connectivity via its existing contracts with GSM providers.

SMXCOM covers 97% of the estimated 119m mobile phone users currently in Russia.

"Following the launch of our ICQ-Rambler co-branded online instant messaging service in September, we are taking our collaboration with ICQ one step further with this exclusive agreement to provide in the near future our 2 Way SMS service which will be available to mobile users across Russia and will reinforce our respective brands in the market," said CEO Irina Gofman.