Operators embrace social networking

After months and months of buzz and hype about mobile social networking, we are finally starting to see a hint of a strategy and a business case for this phenomenon. 

There were a slew of social networking announcements at the CTIA Wireless IT and Entertainment conference a few weeks ago. Most memorable was Verizon Wireless' launch of SocialLife, a gateway for multiple social networking sites such as MySpace, LiveJournal and Rabble, which is powered by Intercasting's Anthem platform. The application is available for $1.49 per month.

Intercasting's aggregation of social networking sites is a sign of progress in this space. Similar to how mobile content aggregators a few years ago helped connect mobile content publishers with carriers, firms like Intercasting are providing a similar service for social networking sites. They are connecting social networking players with operators by building a catalog of partners and helping carriers drive customers to those sites.

Intercasting isn't alone in this strategy. Verisign's Messaging and Mobile Media division has launched a platform called Xoomerang, which also is intended to help carriers connect with a variety of social networking sites.  

Most of the folks that I spoke with in San Francisco a few weeks ago seemed to think that this social networking aggregation is a sign of maturity in this space and an indication that the industry is getting closer to figuring out how best to connect consumers to these sites and make money--or at least build loyalty--from that connection.

Speaking of social networking, it will be interesting to see if there are any mobile social networking applications that make their debut when T-Mobile USA launches it's highly anticipated Google Android-based handset today. We'll have all the latest on the launch at FierceWireless.com. Phil Goldstein will be covering the event so be sure to check out his coverage. --Sue

P.S. Mobile financial services are gaining lots of traction with consumers. I'll be moderating a Webinar on this topic at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25. Join Vance Hodnett of the Pelorus Group, Kyle Cochran of Firethorn,  Rohit Mehra of Verisign and me as we discuss the benefits and the challenges of offering this service. Sign up here.