Local media have reported that Facebook is preparing to open an office in Russia, although no official confirmation has been provided. The group is the world's largest social network, with more than 400 million active users. Facebook has also been in talks with Russia's three leading mobile operators: Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), VimpelCom, and MegaFon. MTS and MegaFon have confirmed that they have discussed potential joint ventures with Facebook, while VimpelCom has met with Facebook previously, and is reported to be considering applications for such social networks in phones sold under its "Beeline" brand.
Significance: The social networking phenomenon is not unknown in Russia, with Vkontakte currently the largest in the country, with 18.4 million users as of February 2010. There is therefore some potential for growth by Facebook in Russia. Joint ventures would be of interest to leading mobile operators as they would offer opportunities such as paying for Facebook access via SMS, or facilitation of Facebook messaging on mobile phones.
