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MySpace Mobile debuts on Sprint phones

MySpace has launched MySpace Mobile on Web-enabled Sprint phones, marking the first time for the social network to have free direct access on a U.S. wireless carrier.

The deal will let Sprint data subscribers access their MySpace profiles on mobile phones. The news coincides with MySpace Mobile's official debut for access on any site at http://m.myspace.com.

"Our deals with the carriers make it easier and faster for people to access MySpace on their phones," said Brandon Lucas, senior director of mobile business development for MySpace, Beverly Hills, CA. "Instead of having to type in a URL, users just need to click on the MySpace mobile link available on the mobile browser."

Sprint subscribers will be able to edit MySpace profiles, view and add friends, view photo albums, post blogs and bulletins, and send and receive MySpace messages. They can also read, compose and reply to mail.

Interestingly, the Sprint MySpace site isn't customized.

"The MySpace Mobile Web site experience is identical whether accessed via m.myspace.com or directly from Sprint's browser portal," Mr. Lucas said.

To access the MySpace application, Sprint customers select Messaging and click on the MySpace Mobile link.

Per its new $99.99 Simply Everything plan, Sprint customers have unlimited mobile Web use, unlimited calling, messaging and data.

Sprint CEO Dan Hesse is currently starring in a television commercial pushing the Simply Everything plan (see story).

Sprint customers on other calling plans pay $15 a month for data packs with unlimited mobile Web use.

The MySpace deal extends the Fox Interactive Media Inc.-owned property's relationship with Sprint.

In plans made public in December, Fox Interactive Media said its mobile sites would be distributed to Sprint subscribers in an on-portal environment.

Both companies have partnered over the past few years.

Sprint currently distributes mobile content from Fox Interactive Media sites such as FoxSports.com, IGN, Photobucket and the MyFox network of local sites.

"Sprint's deep commitment to providing innovative mobile data content to its customers is aligned with MySpace's mobile strategy," Mr. Lucas said. "It's worth noting that Sprint is the first of many MySpace Mobile carrier deals that we will be announcing over the next few months."