Telenor ASA will join Singapore Press Holdings and Norwegian publisher Schibsted to expand digital marketplace 701Search into mobile.

The Norwegian telco will become an equal partner in the venture, currently shared by SPH and Schibsted.

Development beyond Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam will be accelerated by making use of Telenor’s existing telecommunications network in Asia.

“Online classifieds on mobile is growing fast,” says Rolv-Erik Spilling, Telenor head of digital. “Being one of the largest mobile operators in the

world with a strong footprint in emerging markets, it makes perfect sense for us to team up with two world class companies like Schibsted and SPH.”

SPH chief executive officer Alan Chan says the move will build 701Search’s presence in the region: “SPH and Schibsted are leading providers of one of the most popular internet services in online classifieds, and reach around 100 million people worldwide.

“Telenor is one of the world’s leading mobile companies already bringing communication and internet services to 150 million customers in Europe and Asia. SPH, Schibsted and Telenor are a perfect match.”