Blyk has launched its service in the Netherlands, running on Vodafone’s network. Launch advertiser partners include Nike, Universal Pictures, McDonald’s and Electronic Arts.
The ad-funded mobile network is aimed at 16-29 year olds with a SIM-lock free, MMS-capable mobile phone. In return for receiving ads on their phone, they receive 1,000 free texts and 1,000 free Blyk-to-Blyk minutes per month.
The deal looks far more attractive than that offered to UK consumers when Blyk launched its direct-to-consumer operation in the UK in 2007, when customers were offered 217 texts and 43 minutes per month. Blyk subsequently changed tack, and now powers the Orange Shots opt-in mobile advertising service for the UK operator. 
Blyk Netherlands managing director Eric Kip, noting that the Netherlands has the third highest advertising spend per capita in Europe and is a hub for many global companies and ad agencies, says it is an obvious territory for Blyk’s expansion.
“The advertising market, whilst both creative and dynamic, is also cluttered, so we believe youth brands will welcome a highly engaging communication channel like Blyk,” says Kip. “We are confident that both Dutch advertisers and global advertisers will make use of Blyk’s unique ability to connect them with an important consumer segment.”
