Facebook teams with Gemalto for SMS-based social networking

BARCELONA, Spain--Digital security solutions provider Gemalto introduced Facebook for SIM, promising users access to mobile social networking regardless of their handset model--even those without data subscriptions or data connections. According to Gemalto, Facebook for SIM relies on SMS, with the software application embedded on the device's SIM card--users can leverage features like friend requests, status updates, wall posts and messages. Interactive Facebook alerts pop up on the device screen, calling users' attention to new posts and events. Consumers may also search their SIM phonebook to identify other Facebook friends or send requests. Gemalto will initially make Facebook for SIM available for free; following the trial period, the firm will unveil a premium subscription model. 

Earlier this year, Facebook launched its own mobile application optimized for feature phones, promising an improved user experience emphasizing the service's most popular features. Built in conjunction with mobile application platform provider Snaptu, the Facebook for Feature Phones solution supports over 2,500 handsets from manufacturers including Nokia, Sony Ericsson and LG Electronics--features include an easier-to-navigate homescreen, contact synchronization and accelerated scrolling of photos and friend updates. Facebook for Feature Phones rolled out in 14 international markets including India, Brazil, Singapore, Hong Kong and Mexico.

More than 200 million consumers worldwide are now actively using Facebook mobile products across all device platforms, up from just 65 million a year ago. Facebook adds its mobile users are twice as active as its desktop users.

For more:
- read this release

Related articles:
Facebook touts HTML5 investment as focus turns to mobile
Facebook targets feature phones with new mobile app
Facebook updates mobile privacy controls
Facebook launches unified messaging system
Facebook launches single sign-on mobile apps access