Orange and Bebo get social on the mobile

UK mobile operator, Orange and social networking firm Bebo, on Wednesday announced Bebo Mobile for Orange customers.

The service will kick off in the UK according to a statement from the pair and be rolled out to other regions in the future. Orange will have an exclusive on the service in the UK for an undisclosed period of time, the companies said.

The service combines SMS access to the Bebo social network as well as Bebo browsing and a members-only entertainment club.

Sanjiv Ahuja, CEO of Orange said: “With Bebo mobile, the phone is moving from a one-to-one communication device to a complete social networking tool, enabling people to engage in conversations, discover new interests and express themselves in a completely new way.”

Bebo Mobile allows users to manage personal profiles, upload photos and blogs view profiles and receive personal notifications from other Bebo users.

Bebo Mobile users will receive exclusive membership in an exclusive entertainment club, which includes invitations to the hottest music gigs, special passes to the newest film releases and more.

Joanna Shields, president international at Bebo said: “Bebo users spend more time on Bebo than on any other website but until today, logging off from the internet also meant logging out of your network. Our partnership with Orange changes this, helping you to stay in touch regardless of where you are.”

Bebo Mobile will be available to all UK Orange customers this summer.