Helen or Don? Get it live on Vodafone live!

Thursday, 15 September 2005, 1:10 pm
Press Release: Vodafone

15 September 2005

Helen or Don? Get it live on Vodafone live! Mobile TV

Watch the election live this weekend on Vodafone live! Mobile TV which now offers breaking news directly from a 3G mobile.

In this New Zealand first, Vodafone, with content partners Sky News and TV3, will offer a live news feed to deliver major news direct to Vodafone live! Mobile TV. No more scrambling to a TV set to watch the big news stories as Vodafone's 3G customers can now (available from September 15) tune into the small screen and catch it live.

Normally the Mobile TV service is packaged in three-four minute made for mobile sessions, updated regularly through the day. When a breaking news story occurs, the Vodafone live! Mobile TV with 3G news service will switch over to a live feed direct from Sky News and be available directly to a Vodafone 3G mobile phone. This service is exclusive to Vodafone and is the next evolution in the 3G offering launched on August 10.

Since its launch, Vodafone live! Mobile TV with 3G has offered news from Sky and TV3, available either as individual news clips, or as a channel which consists of round-ups of top stories that are continuously looped. The made for mobile channel will continue to be updated throughout the day as the news unfolds.

Current streaming numbers for the Sky News clips and channel on Vodafone 3G are tracking as one of the most popular Vodafone live! Mobile TV offerings and the live stream is expected to further build the popularity of the service, says Vodafone Content Manager Tim Nichols.

"Launching the live Sky News/TV3 feed for Vodafone 3G customers was a natural step towards creating a total mobile news and entertainment offering," says Tim. "The election creates increased demand for news updates so the launch timing will be perfect for those wanting to find out how the voting is progressing."

"Vodafone is offering its customers a New Zealand first and something consumers only dreamed about up until recently. People are looking for a reliable, instant news service which keeps them informed when they are on the move and now it's live straight from your mobile.

"We believe that our news offering will change the way people get their news and keep on top of developments at home or overseas."

Vodafone 3G customers receive PXT alerts which summarize the news event and provide a link through to the 3G news service so they can easily stay up to date with big events.

For existing Vodafone live! customers without 3G handsets, there's options aplenty to stay informed on election developments. Through Vodafone live! national news, in association with stuff.co.nz, there will be stories on significant developments plus regular updates from 7.30pm until the final results are known.

The service will also feature stories covering reactions from the leaders of the main parties. At the end of the night Vodafone live! national news will have a summary of electorate winners, runners-up and winning margins. Txt/PXT alerts with final results are available from 10pm on election night.

ENDS

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