ZipDial allows people to use Twitter via a toll-free "missed call" to a designated phone number. Callers then receive inbound content on their phone in real time through voice, SMS or an app notification.
This "missed call" marketing platform allows people to access content for free, which is especially useful in the developing world where many can't afford data plans.
Based in Bangalore, India, has already been used by Twitter users in the country to follow famous actors, sportsmen and religious leaders.
During our 2014 elections, the two national political parties – and – worked with Twitter and ZipDial to make their Twitter accounts accessible to all users in India on any phone, on any network and in any language.
Announcing the acquisition today, Rishi Jaitly (), market director, India & Southeast Asia at Twitter, said: "Our primary mission, bolstered by this acquisition, is to help every Indian with a mobile device get a great, relevant Twitter experience.
"We believe Twitter – a platform invented for SMS and rich in media – is a perfect match for India, a mobile-first country with a celebrated media heritage.
"From the use of Twitter and during major and in Delhi to the celebrations after , it was clear early on in our history that Indians have embraced our platform to keep up with national passions like news, politics, cricket and film.
"In the last few years, we've witnessed the rise of , non-stop Twitter innovation from the cricketing world – especially the and – to this past year’s And it’s fair to say that India's biggest moments played out on ."
Twitter's foray into tech specifically aimed at helping emerging markets comes ahead of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 14 February to 29 March.
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