MySpace has launched a beta of MySpace Mobile Web which allows users to access the site for free on their mobile phones.

The Mobile Web site will be available this week with a wider rollout planned in the coming months to other Fox Interactive Media sites.

"Accessing the internet from a mobile phone will soon be as common as text messaging and voice calling," said John Smelzer, senior vice president and general manager of mobile at Fox Interactive Media.

"It is our goal to deliver these free ad-supported experiences as additional options for our users on top of our incredibly popular premium mobile services. "

The MySpace Mobile Web beta marks the first time that Fox has given marketers the opportunity to reach internet users on mobile devices.

Fox has promised that the sites will offer a considerable amount of free content, tools and services that were previously available only to paid subscribers.

"MySpace Mobile Web significantly lowers the barrier of entry for all MySpace users to access their profiles on-the-go," said Amit Kapur, vice president of business development at MySpace.

Fox has partnered with mobile advertising network Millennial Media to sell and serve mobile-based ads, which includes custom sponsorship packages within MySpace and more traditional display-based ads with other Fox properties, such as IGN, FOXSports.com and RottenTomatoes.c om.

The new service will allow users to send and receive MySpace messages and friend requests, comment on pictures and profiles, post bulletins, update blogs, find and search for friends and view or change 'mood' status.

MySpace rival Facebook recently launched a version of its site specifically designed for use on Apple's iPhone, as well as announcing plans for targeted adverts on the site.

Facebook's move could side-step attempts by some companies to prevent employees accessing social networking sites after fears that it wastes company time.