O2 launches video mobile

The company, reflecting 3's strategy, has decided to make the service free of charge until the end of January for O2 users, who can access video via O2 Active.

Currently, the service is only supported by two handsets - the Nokia 3650 and the Sony Ericsson P800 - but from next month, it will be compatible with an additional six handsets.

O2 has secured a licence to show clips of the forthcoming Rugby World Cup, to help it promote the new video service. Clips are available as downloads or streams, including half and full time highlights, interviews and 100 classic moments. Other content will be syndicated from organisations such as ITN, Extreme Sports Channel, GMTV and CNBC.

A consumer trial earlier this year demonstrated the viral nature of mobile video - with 94% of participants showing clips to friends - as well as discovering what users wanted from video services. News was the most popular type of content, followed by sports and music videos, with users typically watching about 15 clips per month.

O2 chief marketing and data officer Kent Thexton described the video launch as "a natural extension to our mobile entertainment services such as games and music".

Thexton said it will focus on making the service easy to access and use, adding that many suggestions from the consumer trial have been incorporated into today's commercial launch.

The company described the mobile video service as "the first of its kind in the UK", despite the obvious efforts of 3, which launched the first 3G video network in April. However, O2 has not yet launched a 3G network and recently declined to comment on when it plans to do so.

Reports in summer suggested that T-Mobile is preparing to launch its 3G network in time for the lucrative Christmas trading period. Trials are due to start in London this month.

18 August 2003:

1 July 2003:

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