Implicit social networking for mobile users: Data monetization for telcos through context-aware services

Implicit social networking provides a goal-oriented platform for information retrieval and value-added interaction between telecom operators and their users. Implicit social networks can group users based on certain criteria by utilizing user preferences in a novel fashion, providing an innovative medium for upgrading existing, as well as developing new social networking services. This paper proposes the Ericsson Implicit Social Networking, a location-aware implicit social networking platform for mobile users. Using this platform, telcos can maximize their revenue potential by utilizing stored user data, an approach called data monetization. Mobile users equipped with a smartphone can use the Ericsson Implicit Social Networking platform through a myriad of context-aware services. After users install and activate a client application, they are able to receive personalized information, offers and content - e.g. movie recommendations, discounts for customer loyalty, songs and tickets for events by their favorite artist. One such service, the proof-of-concept application named the Focused Viral Marketing, is available for users possessing Android-based smartphones.