Babelgum launches with Vodafone UK a 'free tv' service for 3g mobile phones

Available immediately in the UK on Nokia N96, N95 and 6210; Original programming with lots of music, film, comedy, animation and a selection of internationally-oriented, content. Online exclusives with Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand

LONDON — Babelgum has launched a six month trial with Vodafone UK for Babelgum Mobile, a new Internet Mobile TV service which allows Vodafone UK (London: VOD) contract customers with mobile internet bundles to enjoy a wide range of video clips including film, music, comedy, animation, nature, travel and sports free of charge.

The Babelgum Mobile application is available to download from Vodafone live!, initially for contract customers with data bundles for the popular Nokia N96, N95 and 6210.

Babelgum Mobile is known for its innovative, original programming. Customers can access content that’s clearly Webinspired with the accent on interactive entertainment. Clips are short, fun, and unconventional and include viral videos.

The programming content will feature the best of videos from international artists such as Coldplay, Robbie Williams and Kings of Leon as well as web exclusives from the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand, BBC comedy (The Office and The Mighty Boosh) as well as bite-sized extracts from Sir David Attenborough’s BBC nature documentaries.

There will be music, animation and online competitions, with the first ever Babelgum Music Video Awards, chaired by acclaimed film director and musician, Michel Gondry and previews taken from the new edition of the Babelgum Online Film Festival, chaired by award winning film director and producer, Spike Lee. The contests aim to discover new musical and filmmaking talent from all over the world.

Babelgum Mobile is integrated with the world of social networks. It allows users to share videos with others; vote for their favourites and take part in competitions; send videos by e-mail, and upload them on Facebook to share the fun with their friends. All content will be streamed via Vodafone’s fast and reliable 3G network.

Babelgum CEO Valerio Zingarelli remarked, “Babelgum now becomes one of the first Web TV, mobile 3G TV and “free TV” all at the same time. What sets us apart is that we’re the first independent online television company to cross over into full mobile internet, a truly original application and programming. Our content offering also reflects the new communication codes of the Web, with fast, fun entertainment that’s enhanced by highquality, professional production standards”.