MySpace blocks Aussies from accessing mobile MySpace
Australians have been locked out from accessing the newly launched ad-supported free mobile version of MySpace.
According to the The Sydney Morning Herald, the decision was made in line with an existing partnership deal with Optus, which has the exclusive rights to offer MySpace mobile through its Zoo portal up until October.
With the launch of the mobile version of MySpace yesterday, anyone including Australians using any mobile network could send/receive messages and friend requests, comment on pictures and profiles, update blogs, and search for friends from mobile.myspace.com.
However if the MySpace mobile service were to continue operating in this way in Australia, it would have violated the partnership deal with Optus.
A few hours after going live, Australians attempting to visit the mobile version of the site were redirected to the regular version of MySpace, where navigating from a mobile phone screen is difficult.
The move effectively blocks non-Optus Australians from accessing the mobile version of MySpace.
When asked why the functionality was suddenly switched off, MySpace spokesman Darain Faraz answered: “This is a US initiative that doesn’t affect any Australian MySpace agreement.”
While it would only take about a month before Optus exclusive rights expires, there could be no assurance if the existing partnership deal will not be extended.
It could also be possible for MySpace to find another more lucrative local advertising deal or give Australian the complete freedom to access the site’s mobile version.
Related Posts:
