BT and Virgin Announced Broadcast TV on Mobile Phones

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BT announced the launch of its new wholesale mobile broadcast entertainment service, BT Movio, with BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and E4 confirmed as the initial TV channel line-up. The BT Movio service is the first wholesale offer in the world to combine live TV, DAB digital radio, a seven-day programme guide and 'red button' interactivity for mobile phones. Virgin Mobile, which has previously been announced as the first UK mobile operator to offer this service, will also release retail pricing, product specification, advertising support and availability details today.

For the first time, the UK's three largest terrestrial broadcasters have all signed up to simulcast channels to mobile phones. BT Movio identified consumer demand for familiar channels and programming during its extensive pilot last year. Feedback from pilot users consistently indicated that the most popular channel line up would feature the brands and programmes currently known and enjoyed by millions at home.

With the exception of some film, sport and US-produced content, the simulcast programme schedule for BBC One, ITV1 and E4 will be made available through the BT Movio service. BBC One will be available on a trial basis for 12 months and will be provided free to consumers. Channel 4 will initially broadcast Channel 4 Short Cuts, its made-for-mobile TV channel, and expects that Channel 4 simulcast will follow.

DAB digital radio is another key ingredient of the BT Movio service, with access to all the UK's DAB stations included in the content line-up. The consumer pilot highlighted the popularity of digital radio as part of the BT Movio service, with radio providing an ideal entertainment format for mobile phones. DAB digital radio provides listeners with more choice and better sound quality than analogue.

Typically, listeners in most major towns and cities in the UK can receive between 30 and 50 radio stations with DAB digital radio. In many cases, that's more than double the number of stations available on analogue.

Emma Lloyd, managing director, BT Movio said: "While developing our wholesale offering we have never lost sight of what the consumer wants. Today, with the announcement of our industry-leading TV and radio line-up, and other service components, we are demonstrating that the BT Movio service delivers the best mobile entertainment package for any UK mobile operator looking to offer TV and radio services."

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