BBC broadcasts live TV to mobiles

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 3 Apr 2009 at 11:08

The BBC has launched a live television service for mobile phones - but has warned users they need a television licence to use it.

The new Live TV service is currently in beta, and only appears to work with a small selection of handsets, including the Nokia N96 and 5800.

Pictures are broadcast at a mobile-friendly resolution of 176 x 144 pixels, although the service doesn't work over 3G - users must be connected to a Wi-Fi network.

The BBC is also warning that users will need to cough up £142.50 for a TV licence to use the service, if they don't already have one.

"It is a criminal offence to watch 'live' television without a TV licence or to possess or control a device which you know or reasonably believe will be used to watch 'live' TV without a TV licence," the BBC's FAQ states.

The new streaming service arrives as part of a wider revamp of the BBC Mobile site. The new customisable homepage works on a phalanx of high-end mobiles, including the iPhone, Android handsets and Nokia N-Series devices.

The BBC also has plans to further extend the customisation. "Many users want to be able to add favourite football teams or to follow the latest sports news and results direct from the homepage. We hope to add these options in the very near future," the Corporation claims in a blog post.