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Microsoft Launches Cell Phone Ad Sales

Graphic or text banners can be shown on MSN Mobile portal

By Laila Weir, Newser User

Posted Dec 10, 2007 2:21 PM CST

(Newser) – Microsoft launched cell phone advertising in the US Monday, with banner ads displayed on MSN Mobile, a portal accessible from any mobile phone. The ads will be displayed as graphics or text, depending on the user's phone, reports AP. Competitors Yahoo, Google, and numerous smaller companies already sell mobile advertising, as does Microsoft in Japan and parts of Europe.

The MSN portal will also begin selling movie tickets, background images and ringtones. A rep said the company won't yet offer targeted ads based on cell phone users' Web browsing habits and location, but might eventually. Microsoft said the ad service is a joint effort with two companies it bought this year, aQuantive and mobile ad group ScreenTonic SA.

The MSN Mobile home page, before ads were added. (Microsoft)

A photo provided by Schaumburg, Ill.-based Motorola Inc. shows the company's V9M Razr2 cell phone. (AP Photo/Motorola Inc.) (Associated Press)

Chinese women use mobile phones in Beijing, Monday, Sept. 17, 2007. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (Associated Press)

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Graphic or text banners can be shown on MSN Mobile portal

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Microsoft • advertising • cell phones • targeted advertising • mobile advertising • MSN Mobile

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Cell Phone Ads Slowed by Privacy Worries

Carriers love targeted marketing, but are afraid to tick you off

Microsoft, Aol, Yahoo Agree to Sell Each Other's Ads

They say other 'players in the industry' are welcome to join them

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This night in the pokey has been brought to you by...

Android World's No. 1 Smartphone Platform

Passes Symbian; iPhone at No. 3

Microsoft Yanks Seth MacFarlane Sponsorship

Windows pulls sponsorship of comedy special after watching it

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Newser By Users

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