Twitter is expanding its global footprint through an agreement with U2opia Mobile, which will use USSD technology to deliver a version of the microblogging service to end-users’ handsets, according to Reuters.

The Singapore-based firm will launch its Twitter service in the first quarter of next year, said U2opia’s chief executive and co-founder Sumesh Menon.

Using USSD technology as a delivery method broadens the demographic who can use Twitter beyond smartphone users to include those with more basic models.

U2opia Mobile already has a similar agreement in place with Facebook.

Sumesh“USSD as a vehicle for Twitter is almost hand in glove because Twitter has by design a character limit, it’s a very text-driven social network,” said Menon (pictured).

According to figures from investment bank JP Morgan, Twitter has global market penetration of about nine per cent compared to 22 per cent in the US.

U2opia Mobile’s biggest markets are Africa and South America. It has partnership with over 30 mobile operators in order to deliver its service, including MTN, Ooredoo, Telefonica and Vodafone.