14 DAY TRIAL // Wireless carrier O2 UK is on its way to introducing free text message updates for Twitter starting next month. Given the fact that Twitter is one of the most popular social networking sites in the country, ranked as the fifth most visited social network in May, carriers in the UK are offering their users free SMS updates. Vodafone is the operator that already has the service up and running, and O2 will be offering it too starting with the beginning of August.
The operator announced the move officially on Monday, stating that all of its users would be able to switch on text notifications within Twitter, and that its customers would also enjoy receiving “@” replies and direct messages for free. Moreover, users will also have the possibility to send updates to Twitter, though this option will come as part of their normal text message bundle or will be priced as a normal text. According to the company, they will be enabled to turn the service on or off, in case they would like to.
In addition, the mobile phone operator also said that the new deal with Twitter came in line with the already existing ones that the company had closed with Facebook and Bebo. O2 customers will soon have the possibility to enjoy being in touch with three social networks, no matter where they are. Although the service is offered for free, the company also has a fair use policy for Twitter texts, and asks users to try not to overcome a number of 600 messages per month.
“We believe that mobile will soon become the most popular way of accessing social networking sites, giving real time access to tweets and status updates wherever you are,” Antony Douglas, head of content at O2, shared. “The agreements we now have in place with Twitter and the other key sites brings this a step closer, making it quick and easy for O2 customers to access their favourite social networks straight from their mobile.”