State-run telecom operator BSNL has tied up with U2opia Mobile to provide offline Facebook access (via USSD) to its subscribers. Users will be charged Rs 4, Rs 10 and Rs 20 for 3 days, weekly and monthly plans, respectively.
The service has already been launched in East and South zones immediately, while it will be rolled out and shortly the service will be launched in West and North zones. BSNL says the service will allow users to access their accounts, view/post status messages, respond to friend requests, write on friends' walls, view birthday reminders and send messages
"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," says BSNL director Anupam Shrivastava.
BSNL's USSD-based Facebook service is available for all handsets. "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.
USSD-based social networking services could be a good option in cases of unavailability of Internet access. U2opia tied up with Twitter for providing access to the micro-blogging website on mobile phones without Internet. Twitter said the move will help increase penetration in areas with low Internet penetration.
Source : TOI