Mobile ads going widespread, SMS as the main channel

eMarketer reports that almost 80 million of US phone users were served advertisings on mobile phones, with SMS being the most used method to deliver ads:

Advertisers are starting to reach US consumers by mobile phone in large numbers, according to the Limbo-sponsored "Mobile Advertising Report," conducted by GfK NOP Research. Limbo said that 78 million US consumers saw or heard advertising on their mobile phones in the fourth quarter of 2007, despite low overall spending on mobile compared with other media. Those who had seen a mobile ad were most likely to have seen an SMS message. Fewer had seen mobile TV and video ads.

Obopay on RIM Blackberry smartphones

Obopay, a service provider for payments via mobile phones, announced that its services will be available for BlackBerry smartphones from Research In Motion. The new Obopay application for BlackBerry users promises fast, customizable access to Obopay's full suite of mobile payment services.

Wachovia in mobile banking partnership with Verizon Wireless

Wachovia bank recently introduced a new service that will allow Verizon Wireless customers to check their bank accounts and pay bills using their mobile phone. Wachovia customers with compatible phones can download the application for free, as Wachovia continues to support and promote mobile banking. Banking services are available on compatible mobile devices through a downloadable application provided by Firethorn Holdings.