Telefonica Digital announced a partnership with games giant EA Mobile, which it said “will give Telefonica’s operating businesses the ability to create innovative gaming promotions using titles from the EA catalogue of consumer favourite brands such as The Sims, FIFA or Monopoly.”

In a statement, the operator said the objective of the deal is to make it easy for customers to find games and to drive the uptake of mobile gaming, “particularly amongst feature phone users.”

The first market to benefit will be the UK, where customers will receive three months of free access to EA Mobile games following the first download – O2 UK is “then examining a number of potential promotions or special ‘gaming subscription’ services to offer customers.”

Matthew Key, chairman and CEO of Telefonica Digital (pictured), said: “'By making a differentiated play in this most emotive and immersive entertainment medium we are fostering a much deeper connection with our customers – another significant step in becoming a true aggregator of experiences.”

The operator also said that through its work, it has also “opened significant new revenue growth opportunities through in-game advertising and media partnerships.”