BSNL Brings Facebook To Mobiles Without Internet Connectivity | TechTree.com

BSNL Brings Facebook To Mobiles Without Internet Connectivity

The service will rely on USSD technology, the same thing operators use to send you alerts on your mobile.

 

State-run telecom service provider BSNL has launched a service where users can access Facebook on mobile, sans internet connectivity. Users will have to pay Rs 4, Rs 10 or Rs 20 to gain access to the service for a day, week or month respectively.

 

The service runs on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology, which is typically used by operators to send alerts to users. BSNL has tied up with U2opia Mobile to provide Facebook connectivity to users in east and south zones at first, shortly after which the service will be rolled out for users in west and north zones.

 

Users will be able to access their accounts, view/post status messages, respond to friend requests, write on friends' walls, view birthday reminders and send messages, all the typical functionality Facebook provides users. Moreover, the service will work on all kinds of handsets, though it isn't clear whether they will have to support Facebook's mobile app or will be able to access the service through the phone's browser.

 

"Companies today are looking at enhancing the portfolio of offerings to voice and SMS customers and we are really excited to offer Facebook on USSD, given the rising popularity of social media," BSNL director Anupam Shrivastava said.

 

"These services are perfect for our always-connected customers who want to stay in touch with their Facebook friends - anytime, anywhere, on any mobile," said U2opoia Mobile CEO Sumesh Menon.

 

The move comes at a time when Facebook is tying up with telecom operators to provide access to the social network through subsidized data packs. Now using USSD technology, users in regions where there isn't any sort of internet connectivity can access Facebook.


TAGS: Internet, Social Network, Facebook, Mobile Phones, BSNL

 
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