Vodafone to expand its Second Life

Vodafone is expected to offer a host of new services for users in the virtual world when it unveils its Second Life island in the coming weeks.

The operator will offer virtual handsets which enable users to contact one other in the virtual world and an SMS instant messaging service, according to media reports.

Second Life - the corporate invasion

Click on the links below to see pictures of some of the many real-world businesses that have set up outposts in Second Life.

Adidas
Nissan
Sun Microsystems
Reebok
Penguin
American Apparel
Reuters
CNET Networks
PA Consulting
Yankee Stadium
Bartle Bogle Hegarty

A Vodafone spokesman told silicon.com the long-term aim for the new island will be to complement other services within Second Life.

The spokesman said telephony could well be one such new service, and said details will be confirmed nearer the time.

Despite withdrawing from a number of real world territories - including Belgium, Japan and Sweden – in 2006, Vodafone announced plans to move into Second Life last November and hosts a 'teaser island' in the virtual space.