Telecom services provider Vodafone Essar  launched its 'Facebook phone' in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The new device  Vodafone Blue, comes with a dedicated Facebook button, and offers unlimited access to Facebook for a year from the date of purchase.

Specifically designed to put the Facebook experience into the heart of the handset, Vodafone Blue will allow users to easily share and connect with their friends anytime, anywhere, claimed Vodafone.

The phone is designed specifically to bring an ‘outstanding and affordable integrated mobile Facebook experience’ to pay-as-you-go customers, it added.

Vodafone said the handset, developed in collaboration with Facebook, brings the qualities of a classic smartphone together with popular social networking functions.

The phone takes Facebook integration to a different stage by providing all kinds of updates as counters, notifications, and displays Facebook posts regularly in the background, it claimed.

Speaking at the launch, Kumar Ramanathan, chief marketing officer, Vodafone Essar said, the mobile Internet plays a central role in the daily lives of millions of Vodafone customers, many of whom are avid Facebook users.

“Vodafone Blue is the answer to our youth’s mobile social networking needs. The phone has been designed to let everyone experience the fun of connecting with friends on the go, at a pocket friendly price,” he added.

Commenting on the launch of the phone, Henri Moissinac, head of Mobile Business, Facebook said, Facebook wanted to make every phone social and Vodafone has taken the integration of Facebook to the next level with the Vodafone Blue.

“We are really happy that Vodafone has brought the phone to India and enabling people to experience Facebook free of charge from the mobile device for a year,” he added.