BT and ZTE 3G Mobile TV Handset

BT today announced that is has signed an agreement with ZTE, a leading global 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 enable 3G mobile operators to offer BT Movio’s broadcast mobile TV and DAB digital radio service, ideal for live, mass-market channels, alongside existing video-on-demand services and niche channels over their 3G networks. Consumers will not have to worry about which technology to choose; they will simply see a wider selection of channels and services, and will be able to enjoy them in clear, digital quality.

The agreement was signed today at a ceremony in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to mark the occasion of Chinese Premier Wen’s official visit to the UK. The agreement closely follows the commercial launch of BT Movio in the UK last week, in which BT Movio was confirmed as the first wholesale service in the world to offer a service consisting of mobile TV, DAB digital radio, 7-day programme guide and ‘red button’ interactivity for mobile phones.

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.”