The concept of 'Facebook Zero' – a low data text-focussed version of Facebook for mobile phones – was mentioned at Mobile World Congress earlier this year. Three months on, Facebook has now launched the service at 0.facebook.com. The new mobile site is currently available with zero data charges via over 50 mobile operators. The UK isn't yet one of the 45 countries where it works, although 3 UK plans to introduce it soon.
In a blog post, Sid Murlidhar, a program manager for Facebook Mobile, says 0.facebook.com has two main attributes:
It's fast, offering all the main features of the standard mobile site but without photos. (These can be viewed on the chargeable part of the site).
It's free; the 'zero' site is only available from network operators who aren't charging for access. Data charges will still apply for mobile access to m.facebook.com or touch.facebook.com.