Facebook today joined the GSMA, making it the first social networking company to join the mobile industry association. It intends to be an “active” participant and will work more closely with the many carriers that are also members. It joined as an associate member given that it currently does not operate a GSM network.
“Joining GSMA reflects our focus on mobile and our continued desire to work closely and collaboratively with partners in the industry, and we look forward to playing an active role as a member,” Dan Rose, vice president of partnerships at Facebook, said in a statement to FierceWireless.
The announcement was also confirmed by GSMA spokeswoman Claire Cranton who added that the organization has had “an on-going relationship with Facebook for several years and we are pleased that Facebook has taken the decision to join the GSMA.”
Facebook announced recently that it now as over 500 million mobile daily active users. In September 2013 alone, it had 874 million mobile monthly active users, a 45% increase year-over-year. Mobile apps and services have become a key priority for the company. This latest move will allow it to maintain “our continued tight alignment with operators worldwide and the issues they care most about.”
Facebook could also leverage its new GSMA membership in support of its Internet.org initiative designed to bring developing countries online through a mobile infastructure.
Source : FierceWireless