[May 26, 2005] MobiTV Expands to Europe with Orange UK Launch; Today, for the First Time, UK Consumers Can View Live Broadcast and Made-for-Mobile TV on Their Mobile Handsets Tweet LONDON & BERKELEY, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- May 26, 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. For more information on the company, its products or technology, visit www.idetic.com or www.mobitv.com. About Orange Orange, wirefree and any other Orange product or service referred to in this release are trademarks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited. Orange UK provides high-quality coverage to 99 percent of the UK population, and offers roaming to pay-monthly customers on 357 networks in 148 countries, and to pay-as-you-go customers on 94 networks in 53 countries. As at the end of March 2005, Orange was the largest mobile operator in the UK with over 14.3 million active customers. As at the end of December 2004, Orange-controlled companies had almost 54 million customers worldwide. In October 2004, Orange UK won the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards - voted for by readers of Mobile Choice magazine - for Best Network Operator for the fourth year running. Information about Orange can be found on the Orange Web site at www.orange.co.uk and media information can be found at www.orange.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]