The mobile operator 3 has this week launched the UK’s first international video calling service, allowing users to make video calls to countries in which the feature is available.
Customers can already make video calls within the UK but the service has now been extended to cover Italy, Sweden, Austria, Australia and Japan. Video callers from the UK will be charged at £1.50 per minute.
Video calls can also be made from abroad by customers who are in a 3 video mobile coverage area. These cost £2.00 per minute.
Gareth Jones, 3’s UK chief operating officer, commented: “What seemed like science fiction only a few years ago is now within the reach of everyone in the UK. Making a video call is as easy as making a normal phone call from your mobile, but they have much more impact, as you see the person youÂ’re speaking to. You’ll never forget making your first international video call, even if it’s just to see what the weather is like in Rome.”
It has also announced that highlights from the UEFA Champions League are to be made available on 3’s video mobile network. The service will feature “near live” goals and major match incidents as well as text alerts and team news. The 3G operator already provides exclusive video action and news from the Premiership and is bidding to retain the rights beyond 2004 (see Three-Way Battle For Mobile Football Rights).
3 faces competition from Vodafone which this week secured mobile rights to the Champions League in twelve countries, six of which are exclusive deals, for the next three seasons (see Vodafone Buys Wireless Rights To Champions League).
