BSkyB And Vodafone Link Up To Drive Mobile Media

Satellite broadcaster BSkyB yesterday said that it is committing to deliver media output to the next generation of mobile phones, following an announcement with mobiles group, Vodafone. The two companies are to work on providing access, via wireless application protocol (WAP)-enabled phones, to services such as news, sports results, games, TV listings and shopping.

The new WAP mobile phones permit access to the internet, through which Sky can distribute its news and entertainment content. Indeed, Paul Donovan, commercial and marketing director at Vodafone, believes that in a few years’ time there will be more people accessing the internet from their mobile phones than via their PCs.

“It is therefore essential that we provide our customers with all the services that they need, at their fingertips, wherever they are in the world. Partnering with Sky brings richer content and greater depth to Vodafone’s Interactive Services,” says Donovan.

BSkyB’s director of new media, John Swingewood, said: “We want to make Sky’s sport, news and entertainment content available to Vodafone’s eight million UK customers. Additionally, our retailing relationships are ideal for the development of mobile e-commerce when this becomes available in the summer.”

BSkyB has set aside £250 million to spend on developing its internet businesses and initiatives (see Sky Furthers Net Investments). The arrangement to supply information to Vodafone customers is on a non-exclusive basis and Sky is expected to forge similar deals with other mobile operators.

BSkyB: 020 7705 3000