Leading UK mobile network operator Vodafone has just announced a partnership with social search giant Myspace, enabling mobile users access to the network via their handset. The service will initially be integrated in the UK, and then slowly be fed into other key European markets such as Germany, France and Italy.As one of Britain's leading wireless operators, Vodafone will give Vodafone Live! users the ability to access their MySpace account from their mobile phone. Vodafone Live! also allows customers to personalise their mobile phones by creating their own radio station. Additionally, it offers customers live sports events coverage and mobile TV options, through which users can watch films and TV channels on their mobile phones. Other features include music, ringtones, pictures and, of course, internet access.
By closing a deal with MySpace, Vodafone Live! users will be able to download MySpace mobile software onto their handsets. This will let MySpace members edit their profiles and post blogs from any location, as well as send and receive messages from the social network.
Questions remain, however, as to whether the service will be offered to Vodafone customers free of charge. Some new handsets, it seems, will have this feature automatically installed.
Speaking about the announcement, Colin Digiaro, senior vice president corporate development at MySpace, commented:
"This partnership brings together the world's number one lifestyle portal and the world's leading mobile operator. Millions of people use MySpace as their primary means of communicating with family and friends, so it's vital we make this available on the move. Whether it's adding new friends, sending messages, or uploading photos, the ability to access MySpace functionality from your mobile adds a new dimension to the experience."
In January 2007, Vodafone launched high-speed internet access and unlimited landline calls for existing customers for just 25p, bringing it into the top position amongst UK mobile networks. MySpace, on the other hand, continues to expand its online presence, with stories of a prospective deal with Ebay currently in circulation.
