The UK’s ad-funded, youth targeted mobile service provider Blyk is bringing its model of free talk-time and texts in return for viewing advertising to India. Mint.com reports that senior level recruitment is already underway, according to an unnamed source who was approached for a job at the new operation. Blyk spokesperson Ann Sarimo confirmed that Blyk plans on entering the Indian market, but declined to comment on timing.

SEE ALSO: Ad-Funded Blyk Sees Future With Carriers, Not Standing Alone

After signing up some 200,000 customers in the UK, the only country in which it is operational, it appears that Blyk, which was started by ex-Nokia (NYSE: NOK) president Pekka Ala-Pietilä, and funded by the likes of Goldman Sachs and Sofinnova Partners, has hit a wall. It reiterated a few weeks ago that it was shifting strategy, calling its UK operations, a “proof of concept,” and saying that it was looking to partner with carriers, rather than build their own service country by country as originally planned. One of its biggest challenges was acquiring customers, a problem that wouldn’t be such an issue with a carrier on board.

Can the Blyk model succeed in India? After the jump.