First Facebook SIM Card Released

Every GSM cell phone will soon have Facebook built right in, as Gemalto has created the first SIM card including functions related to the social network.

A spokesperson for the social network confirmed the development in via email:

We worked closely with Gemalto on their Facebook for SIM product and believe it will be another easy and affordable way for people to stay connected through Facebook on the mobile phone of their choice. Facebook for SIM creatively combines technologies from some of our existing mobile solutions that especially are attractive for people with feature phones and have limited or no data plans with a mobile operator. Through the Facebook application on the SIM card people can: Update their status and view comments on it; write on their friends wall; receive notifications; find friends on their SIM phonebook.

The SIM card will enable even the most bare-boned handset to have Facebook functionality, albeit text based for the leaner devices known as feature phones. This will help the social network approach its goal of becoming the standard social service for all mobile phones.

Readers, what do you think about Facebook functionality becoming part of the SIM card on all cell phones embracing the GSM standard?