Social networking website MySpace has rolled out its free ad-funded mobile version, reports MobiAd. Up to now, MySpace Mobile has been a subscription-based service available to AT&T (NYSE: T) and Helio subscribers, but the ad-funded version will work on all US networks after a successful beta launch earlier in the fall. People will be able to carry out the usual MySpace functions, including sending and receiving messages, commenting on pictures, updating blogs and searching for friends. SVP of mobile at Fox Interactive John Smelzer told MobiAd that advertisers have become more interested in mobile as the quality of the mobile Web experience has improved.  “Accessing the Internet from your mobile phone will soon be as common as text messaging and voice calling,” said Smelzer. Initially, ads will take the form of sponsorships and banners. Going forward, Fox Interactive, hopes to offer more targeted advertising, including location-based ads. Last month, MySpace was reportedly pushing hard to get its subscription service on all US carriers to expand the social network’s reach. Recent reports have shown that more people are turning to their mobiles to access social networking sites, especially at work where the sites can be banned. Obviously, if MySpace is confined to only AT&T and Helio, that leaves a lot of regular MySpace users in the cold. It will also be interesting to see how the ad-funded service, which will be accessible on all carriers, fares against its subscription-based counterpart, and if opening up the service for “free” will lure more users.

• News Corp Actively Seeking More US Carrier Deals For MySpace Mobile
• MySpace, O2 Hook Up; Service To Go Live In November, Will be Free Through 2007