Airtel makes Facebook's mobile site free

BANGALORE, INDIA: Bharti Airtel, announced today that it will offer the full mobile site of Facebook, the popular social networking service that gives people the power to share and make the world more open and connected, free of charge for its 130 million plus customers across India.

According to a Bharti Airtel release, for the 2-month period, the partnership enables Airtel customers to access Facebook’s full mobile site faster and at no data cost from their Airtel mobiles via m.facebook.com. For the first time, Airtel customers who are Facebook users will be able to post status updates, comment and write on walls, message others, and also be able to view or upload photos  without any data charges.

The release adds that existing mobile internet customers on Airtel can immediately start connecting with their friends by visiting the Facebook mobile site. Customers are accessing the mobile internet for the first time need to simply SMS ‘FACEBOOK’ to 54321 to take advantage of this special offer.  Free access to Facebook Mobile on Airtel is available for the entire months of July and August, 2010.

Shireesh Joshi, Chief Marketing Officer- Mobile Services, Bharti Airtel, “We are pleased to bring an industry-leading offer to our 130 million plus customers by announcing this long-term partnership with Facebook - the popular social media service. Our mobile customers will also be the first in the world to enjoy Facebook on their Airtel mobile in five vernacular languages.