Niche groups distribute branded mobile

The National Wildlife Federation is selling branded phones to send info to five million  registered members, reports The New York Times, as well as novelty ringtones like croaking frogs.

Another non-profit, the American Student Medical Association, thinks offering cellphones in addition to credit cards will create buzz and conversation about the organization.

Since major telecoms must market to a large quantity of people at a time to remain competitive in their own fields, Sonopia is able to fill a niche market for potential mobile phone purveyors who may not necessarily be in the mobile phone business.

Non-profits aren't the only ones signing on. Gucci is currently working with Sonopia to create a network targeted specifically to luxury cellphones. The couture icon could show footage from fashion shows and offer exclusive products through its service.

The Chicago Bandits, a women's pro softball team, will begin selling and giving away phones in team colors at their games.

Finally, yoga enthusiast group Yoga Revolution will sell phones that will emit comforting text messages to members, admonishing that they breathe and relax throughout the day.

Sonopia empowers brands and organizations with the ability to create their own mobile networks. It handles infrastructure and marketing; organizations manage their own mobile content.