Mobile FOXTEL available on Apple iPhone

Melbourne, October 13th, 2009 – Telstra customers can now stream ™ (OS 3.1 and above) devices on the Next G™ network. iPhone customers with Telstra can now watch more than 30 Mobile FOXTEL channels in the palm of their hand using the latest in video encoding technology.

Freddie Jansen Van Nieuwenhuizen, Director, Telstra Product Management, said Telstra’s iPhone customers will be the first to experience the new video streaming via the Next G™ network, offering enhanced viewing quality and stereo sound to improve the Mobile FOXTEL experience.

“The iPhone is a logical first choice for delivering an improved Mobile TV experience. Generally, iPhone users are already accustomed to consuming a vast array of media on their devices. Mobile FOXTEL provides an opportunity for these customers to enjoy quality programming while on the go,” Freddie said.

“The power and reach of Telstra’s Next G™ network means you can watch channels like FOX 8, FOX Sports News TV, Fashion TV or MTV in more places. Combine this with the video-on-demand services available on BigPond TV, as well as V8 Supercars and horseracing video streaming from BigPond Sports, and you have a range of content to suit everyone’s tastes. Telstra iPhone customers can now receive the best that mobile TV has to offer,” he said.
The service improvements will not be limited to the iPhone, the capability will be rolled out progressively with a range of future Telstra Next G™ handsets over coming months.

“Downloading video or watching streamed content is becoming increasingly popular and according to a recent Sensis report, four in 10 Australians download video or watch streamed video content, up four percentage points in the past year. In addition, the report states more than one in four Australians now use a mobile phone to access the internet.

“Friday and Saturday nights at 9pm were the most popular times for people watching Mobile FOXTEL during September this year. Entertainment, music and kids programs are generally the highest rating, followed by news, and we expect with the improved quality streams, the usage will only continue to increase,” he said.
Patrick Delany, FOXTEL Executive Director Sales and Product agreed.

“The future of entertainment is about personalising the experience and putting consumers in control,” said Patrick.

“Personalising entertainment is the next frontier in television and FOXTEL is leading the way. A mobile phone is no longer just for making and receiving calls, it’s become a multimedia tool connecting users to the internet, email, music, FOXTEL’s programming, and even the FOXTEL iQ using the Online TV Guide and the Remote Record function.

“Making these services available to our subscribers with iPhones gives them even more ways to get the most from their FOXTEL service and the programs look great on the iPhone’s larger screen,” he said.

iPhone customers with Telstra can subscribe to the Mobile FOXTEL Ultimate Combo for $18 per month, with Mobile FOXTEL from Telstra 2 pack combo’s such as Kids and Entertainment available for $12 per month. Customers can also sample Mobile FOXTEL by purchasing a day pack for $4. Telstra Mobile TV services are unmetered, which means they can be viewed on a Next G™ mobile without incurring data charges. Services can be accessed by navigating to the BigPond Portal via the BigPond Mobile for iPhone Safari bookmark.

Read more at the Telstra Website.