BBC Plans To Extend Mobile iPlayer Downloads

The BBC has signed licence agreements with three companies to make iPlayer downloads available to mobile phone users.

The BBC has licensed digital rights management software, allowing it to create and distribute content in the Open Mobile Alliance DRM 2 format as well as ensuring content will only stay on mobiles for a set 30-day period.

According to the BBC, Mac users will be able to use the iPlayer’s download feature by the end of the year.

Last month, the BBC signed a deal with Nokia to feature the iPlayer on a mobile for the first time, as an application on the new N96 handset (see BBC iPlayer And Nokia Team Up In New Mobile Deal).

The mobile iPlayer application allows users to stream or download their favourite TV and radio programmes, such as Eastenders and Little Britain USA, via Wi-Fi or 3G for free.

The BBC says the new agreements will enable the iPlayer to be extended to other handsets supporting the OMA DRM 2 system.

Matthew Postgate, controller of Mobile for the BBC, said: “Mobile is an extremely important part of our strategy to allow audiences to access BBC content on multiple platforms at their convenience.

“Each of these companies plays a valuable part in helping the BBC evolve its services for audiences and push the boundaries of the broadcasting industry,” he added.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk