| 27th May 2005 - MobiTV, the world's first global television
network and technology platform providing live television
on mobile phones, announced that the much-anticipated
launch of Orange TV, powered by MobiTV, is available to
customers across the United Kingdom beginning today. This
is the first launch of MobiTV in Europe and represents
MobiTV's commitment to expand internationally to meet
the global demand for television on the go. Orange TV,
offered on Orange UK's high-speed 3G network, is the first
multi-channel mobile television network in the UK, combining
both live broadcast and made-for-mobile television stations.
"We are very pleased to be working with Orange
UK as a foundation partner in Europe," said Ray
DeRenzo, vice president of business development, EMEA
of MobiTV. "Orange's launch of MobiTV is more than
a compelling 3G proposition; it is a validation that
mobile television service offers value to consumers
on a worldwide basis. MobiTV has created a virtual media
network in the UK, linking broadcasters and video producers
with wireless operators, and ultimately with consumers."
"In order to provide our customers with an excellent
TV experience, we needed great content, a reliable platform
and an easy user interface, and MobiTV was instrumental
in bringing that together for us," said Deborah
Tonroe, head of commercial development for Orange UK.
"Mobile television is a great example of the exciting
services we're able to offer with our high-speed 3G
network."
To appeal to the UK viewing audience, MobiTV has extended
its content acquisition efforts to Europe, providing
an exciting channel lineup that will include a variety
of news, entertainment, music and sports content. The
initial channel line up includes: ITN News, CNN International,
Cartoon Network, Toon World, Extreme Sports Mobile,
Comedy Time, Fashion TV and exclusive 24/7 access to
the summer's hottest reality shows. Orange and MobiTV
expect to announce additional channels in the coming
weeks.
Nicholas Wheeler, managing director of ITN Multimedia
said: "As news suppliers, we always strive to get
information out there first and fastest. So, the idea
of live broadcasting to the mobile through MobiTV is
a fantastic proposition, delivering news wherever and
whenever people want it."
"This launch signals a significant advancement
in wireless content distribution in Europe and further
highlights the rapid expansion of mobile television
in the international marketplace," said Mitch Lazar,
vice president, wireless & emerging technology for
TBS International Inc. "We are excited to extend
Turner's channels to MobiTV's subscribers and give our
viewers a simple and intuitive way to watch CNN and
Cartoon Network on the go, anytime, anyplace."
Orange TV powered by MobiTV is initially offered on
the Nokia 6680 phone with additional handsets to be
announced shortly. To get the service, customers can
simply download the MobiTV application free from the
Orange World portal and subscribe to the service, which
will cost GBP10 per month. The price includes data usage
up to one gigabyte (approximately 20 hours of viewing).
After that, standard data charges will apply.
About MobiTV
MobiTV is the first global television network and technology
platform targeting the 1.6 billion mobile phone and
handset users worldwide. The MobiTV service offers a
variety of popular news, sports, entertainment and music
stations and is currently available on Sprint PCS, Cingular
Wireless and other regional carriers in the U.S. In
addition, Canadian carriers Rogers Wireless and Bell
Mobility recently announced that they will carry the
service in late Q2 2005.
MobiTV is a registered trademark of Idetic Inc. All
other trademarks, tradenames, service marks, service
names and images mentioned and/or used herein belong
to their respective owners. Founded in 1999, Idetic
Inc. is a privately held company with headquarters in
Berkeley.
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