Blyk Shuts UK Operation

In the UK, ad-supported mobile phone network Blyk - which launched a research service for its users in December - is to close at the end of August.

Blyk, which was founded in Helsinki in 2006, was funded by offering subscribers free credit in exchange for them agreeing to receive product messages from advertisers.

Its research service enabled advertisers to ask the firm's audience of around 200,000 16 to 24-year olds survey questions via their WAP-enabled mobile phones, and receive feedback through fortnightly focus groups.

The company will continue to operate in the Netherlands, carried on Vodafone's network there, and according to reports, it still has plans to expand into Germany, Spain and Belgium.

Blyk's existing subscribers will have their SIM cards deactivated at the end of August and can then join another network. After this, the model will be re-launched as an Orange-branded service.

Web site: www.blyk.co.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.