Inq is in talks with ‘at least two major operators’ about extending the Inq1 device’s availability beyond the 3 network.

Inq boss, Frank Meehan, says the low-cost social networking handset, dubbed the ‘Facebook phone’, is attracting ‘quite a bit of demand’ from other operators.

Meehan told Mobile: ‘Talks with operators are going very well, and we definitely expect it to be available on other networks this year. We’re privately owned and well funded though, so we’re not in too much of a rush. The important thing is to get the right business.’

Meehan also confirmed that more Inq phones will be released in the second half of this year, including a QWERTY keyboard device. In addition, another big marketing push is planned in February and March.

The Inq1 was released in November last year. It s optimised for using Facebook when on the move – as well as other web-based services, such as Skype, Windows Live Messenger and Last.fm.

Inq1 is available at 3 for £15 per month, which includes free unlimited Facebook Skype-to-Skype calling and unlimited instant messaging, as well as 75 calling minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited email and unlimited 3-to-3 calls. The phone is also available for £79.99 on prepay.