Telecom New Zealand launches XT Mobile TV

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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Primetime Comes To An XT Screen Near You

XT Mobile Network customers can enjoy drama, comedy or news for free until 30 November 2009 with Telecom’s new Mobile TV service. XT Mobile Network is the 3G mobile network run by Telecom New Zealand (NZX:TEL).

The service encompasses a range of exclusive content from TVNZ and MediaWorks (TV3, C4) and includes award-winning shows like Two and a Half Men and Outrageous Fortune, and top new shows such as Fringe and The Mentalist.

Telecom’s service features a new innovation that allows customers to choose where they pick-up on the action by dividing top rating shows into bite sized chapters, says Telecom Mobile’s Paul Taylor.

“Unlike other mobile TV offerings, you don’t have to watch the whole episode to find out what happened at the end – you can simply skip to the last chapter. This ability to ‘snack’ on your favourite shows, also means you could watch a couple of chapters on the bus into work, and finish the episode on the way home,” says Mr Taylor.

The XT Mobile TV service will be free until November 30 2009 so that XT customers can trial the service, and pricing for the service will be revealed closer to November.

In addition to great local content including continuously updated news, weather, sports and business information from both major television networks, XT customers can also view animated shows like American Dad and Family Guy, preview movie trailers, catch up on celebrity gossip, and provide entertainment for little ones with a specially designed Kids TV section.

Shows are uploaded to XT’s Mobile TV service within 12 hours of airing on the home TV, and can be accessed via the TWorld section on a range of XT mobiles.

“And the viewing experience is first class, XT is recognised as being New Zealand’s fastest 3G mobile network*, so you can enjoy your favourite show at an incredibly high quality. The combination of great content and a superb quality network is what will make the difference for customers viewing XT’s Mobile TV service,” says Mr Taylor.

The XT Mobile TV catalogue of shows is also set to expand with internationally awarded shows scheduled for launch later this year, as well as further local content from TVNZ and Media Works.

Telecom’s XT Mobile Network launched on 29 May 2009, and provides seamless 3G mobile service to 97% of where New Zealanders live and work. Mobile TV services are available to XT Network customers, and are not deducted from data allowances. Customers moving to XT are able to keep their existing mobile number including their 021 prefix. Telecom’s existing CDMA network will be maintained until at least 2012.

Telecom’s XT Mobile TV service is powered by QuickPlay Media, a world-class provider of mobile video solutions. QuickPlay has had considerable international success in delivering complete, high-quality mobile TV and video services and in particular for its advanced encoding capabilities, which provides an optimal customer viewing experience across the XT Network.

* As reported by independent testers Red M Services Limited

For further information go to www.telecom.co.nz/mobiletv or contact: