What Is This “Net10 Msg: your phone’s browser requires an update…” Message About?

I received this text message from Net10 Wireless on my iPhone 5…

“NET10 Msg: Your phone’s browser requires an update. Click the link to update. http://m.tracfone.com/sid?mdn=1234567890”.

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Many Net10 and Straight Talk customers are wary of software updates which many affect their internet or MMS service. I decided I’d click on the link and see what would happen. The link opened a mobile optimized web page in Safari. It did not update my browser or anything else on my iPhone.

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I wasn’t too worried. Net10 can’t update your browser, Safari, on your iPhone. Safari can only be updated by Apple as part of an iOS software update. Apple can’t even update Safari through the App Store.

If you are using an Android phone, I wouldn’t worry either. This link isn’t going to update anything on your phone.

So what the heck is this message about? I think Net10 set up this mobile web search page as part of a marketing and promotion campaign and are hoping customers will use it. I didn’t find the web page useful or compelling, but that doesn’t mean the idea is bad, just the implementation.

I have noticed a lot of increased marketing and promotional activity from Net10 recently. They ran a Holiday Home promotion, you could create a holiday card for friends and family. They have Trac N Save promotion offering shopping deals and discounts. Finally, Net10 Now, a promotion to advertise their new tiered smartphone plans with lower prices or more service.

Do you use Net10 or Straight Talk and this message too? Leave a comment and let me know.

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