Facebook’s announcement that they are releasing a messenger application for slower phones was anything but a major event. The fact is, however, that it may be one of the most significant moves by Facebook yet. While most of us are used to living in a world where most people have smartphones, and just about everyone has access to either LTE or WiFi Internet no matter where we go.
The reality, however, is that the vast majority of the world lives very differently. As Facebook continues their goal of offering Internet service to people around the globe, they are going to need to use messengers. Naturally, Facebook will want them to use apps owned by their own company rather than alternatives from Microsoft (Skype) or Google.
Facebook already has WhatsApp and their normal messenger app, but both of those largely rely on fast data connections to function properly. This lite version of the messenger app will make it possible for people who are using basic smartphones on 3G or other slower internet connections to communicate with others around the world.
Getting people to start off using a Facebook based app will set the stage for them transitioning into other Facebook options, as well as using the Facebook social network, going forward. Of course, there is also the benefit of being able to display ads in the lite messenger app. These ads would likely be text based, but those can be quite effective in many areas.
This type of longer term thinking and targeting what would not normally be seen as highly attractive markets can be a great way to grow any business, especially those that are already very well established like Facebook.
