Vodafone has launched a trial that allows Facebook users to send SMS messages from their profiles to their friends’ phones. This will extend to include picture messaging next month.
Vodafone customers also have the option of sending messages straight from their handsets if they install the ‘Vodafone Connect to Friends’ application to their Facebook profiles. Customers can also send messages to friends that are not Facebook users through the application and non-Vodafone customers are also able to use the application.
People that subscribe to the service are given 25 free text credits, with further messages costing 10p for SMS and 30p for picture messages. Vodafone’s customers will see the additional message charged on their bill or reduced from the credit on their phone.
Peter Knook, Vodafone Group internet service director said: ‘With more than 20 million social network users the UK alone it is the perfect market in which to test a Vodafone service that allows all mobile users to send texts and picture messages via the Facebook experience. Through this partnership Vodafone aims to continue its commitment to provide easy access to communication services and communities by bringing the worlds of mobile and PC Internet together. This is a ground breaking social networking opportunity for all UK mobile users.’