BT Signs Deal For Phone To Support Mobile TV

BT has signed an agreement with ZTE, a provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, to develop the world’s first 3G mobile handset compatible with BT Movio’s wholesale mobile entertainment service.

The new phone will allow 3G mobile operators to offer BT Movio’s broadcast mobile TV and DAB digital radio service alongside existing video-on-demand services and niche channels over their 3G networks.

The agreement closely follows the commercial launch of BT Movio in the UK last week (see BT Announces Partners For Mobile TV Service).

ZTE will develop and supply multi-mode 3G/DAB-IP enabled handsets to further extend the portfolio of devices capable of supporting the BT Movio service.

Emma Lloyd, managing director, BT Movio said: “With China’s status as the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile devices, the partnership with ZTE provides evidence of the growing support for BT Movio’s IP based approach to mobile TV in the world’s most influential mobile market.

“Furthermore, with the introduction of the first 3G mobile device capable of supporting DAB-IP, we will be in a strong position to extend the BT Movio wholesale proposition to 3G mobile operators in the UK.”

Frank Bai, managing director of ZTE UK, said: “We look forward to the launch of the first 3G phone compatible with BT Movio’s mobile entertainment service next year and see this as the beginning of a strong partnership.

“BT Movio’s vision and technology choices provide the most realistic and far sighted approach to the fast developing field of mobile TV, combining the relative strengths of 3G and broadcast networks to deliver compelling entertainment experiences to consumers.”

BT: 0207 469 2337 www.btplc.com