BT preps Movio mobile TV service

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 12 Jan 2006 at 13:12

BT's mobile TV is coming to a network near you this year.

The company claims that a recent trial of its Movio service, offering digital TV and radio services to mobile phones on the Virgin network, has proved a success with the thousand or so triallists involved.

BT Movio will be available to any UK carrier, and BT is hoping many will adopt the service, quoting statistics such as 38 per cent being prepared to switch networks in order to receive the service.

It is also keen to ensure that handset manufacturers make phones available that can receive the service, and claims that a majority of triallists would upgrade their phone in order to receive TV and radio.

BT Movio uses Digital Audio Broadcast to deliver both TV and radio, claiming it offers better quality than streaming directly off the mobile cellular network.

It also claims the service boasts the world's first electronic programme guide for mobile TV phones.

What the networks receive in return is revenue. Two-thirds of the triallists said they would be prepared to pay up to £8 a month for TV and radio on their mobile phone. Viewing and listening habits averaged at an hour a week of TV and an hour and a half of radio. They watched a range of programmes including news, sport, comedy, sitcoms and music.

BT says it is in talks with UK network operators to follow up its wholesale launch with a commercial one later in the year.