Vodafone partners with Babelgum for video and music service

by John Reynolds, mediaweek.co.uk 14-Jan-09, 15:50

LONDON - Vodafone has formed a commercial tie-up with internet TV service Babelgum that will provide free access to a range of video and music clips for its contract phone users, at no additional cost.

The trial service of the Babelgum Mobile application launched this week and will run for six months. It is available to download from Vodafone’s mobile internet service, Vodafone live! for contract customers with data bundles for Nokia N96, N95 and 6210.

Included in the service is a range of video clips from international artists like Coldplay and Robbie Williams, as well as comedy, animation, nature travel and sports offerings.

The service will also include online competitions, like the first Babelgum Music Video awards and web exclusives from bands such as Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand.

Valero Zingarelli, chief executive of Babelgum, said: "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 high-quality, professional production standards."