Sprint is running a mobile advertising campaign that uses Microsoft Advertising's new rich media ad units.

The click-to-expand banners are running on Microsoft Mobile Media?s MSN, FOX Sports and CNBC properties. The campaign highlights the benefits of 4G and features Sprint?s Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot.

?Microsoft has been a strong partner in developing innovative programs that engage our client Sprint?s core target,? said Jamie Lefkowitz, group director of wireless strategy at Sprint?s media agency Mindshare, New York. 

?Adding Point Roll to their suite of mobile products helps us leverage the newest technology to drive consumer interest and attention,? he said. 

The expandable Sprint banner ad allows a user to click-to-video or learn more by going to the carrier?s mobile Web site (e.g. Find a Sprint store, Call us, etc.).

Here is a screen grab of the expandable banner:

Here is a screen grab of the video:

Here is a screen grab of the campaign?s dedicated mobile Web site:

Microsoft?s rich media
Microsoft is now offering advertisers mobile rich-media advertising units to engage consumers in a meaningful way.

The rich media product is available only on the iPhone and iTouch. This capability is available on Microsoft?s premium mobile content which includes sites like MSN, FOX Sports and CNBC.

Microsoft Advertising?s mobile rich media offering also complies with both the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) and Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) mobile advertising guidelines.

Microsoft has moved beyond traditional mobile advertising because advertisers are constantly challenged with finding new and exciting ways to communicate with consumers. Mobile rich media provides a more engaging platform to effectively target audiences.

Advertisers could use in-unit video, click-to-map, click-to-call and click-to-expand ad units to engage their target audiences. 

In addition to the enhanced functionality and engagement, rich media offers the device and carrier targeting. Demographic and geotargeting is coming soon.

?It's been great working with both Mindshare New York and Sprint throughout the years to build the overarching relationship with Microsoft Advertising,? said Terence Leonard, account manager at Microsoft Advertising.

?Together with Mindshare and Sprint, we are taking consumer engagement and interactivity to the next level with Microsoft Advertising?s mobile rich media solution,? he said. ?I am personally looking forward to continuing this journey of innovation and success in mobile with the Mindshare and Sprint teams.?