Facebook at MWC

Simon Andrews, founder of mobile agency addictive!, on Facebook’s mobile strategy, outlined at the World Mobile Congress.

Facebook gave a very interesting presentation in Barcelona. Building on its recent announcement of 100 million mobile users, FB is very bullish about mobile (it wants billions of people using its service) and it’s well worth taking 15 minutes to watch this video:

Some of the key elements were around how FB has worked with operators to drive usage – including zero pricing Facebook for a week on Vodafone UK, which drove a huge spike in usage and resulted in 20% more people paying the data charges to continue to get access. It’s now producing a text only version called Facebook Zero which operators can give away and use as a way to encourage transition to a paid service.

It also talks about using Facebook Connect as part of the DNA of the device – with a clear desire to build an OEM relationship with handset manufacturers, as well as operate as an app and part of the OS. It’s also testing fanning by SMS in the US. Techcrunch has a good summary which is worth reading.