Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) has begun serving ads on its US MSN Mobile page, moving into the mobile advertising business in the USA—it already sells mobile ads in Belgium, France, Spain, Japan and the UK. “The company will start with advertisements from Bank of America, Paramount Pictures and Jaguar” reports Reuters. This is part of MS’s plan to offer advertising across a range of platforms—mobile, net, Xbox etc. It has also launched features such as astrology and movie ticket buying to its MSN Mobile page, according to Reuters.

Over in the UK Virgin Mobile (NYSE: VM) MD Graeme Oxby has indicated the MVNO plans to increase its mobile advertising next year. The advertisements will probably be banner ads and link sponsorship, reports Mobile News International.