3 beats TV to Premiership footy highlights

Video mobile operator 3 has signed an agreement that it claims will allow its customers to watch highlights of the goals in Barclays Premiership matches before they are shown on television.

The company promised that when the new season kicks off on Saturday 14 August its video mobile customers will be able to download video highlights at 5.15pm from every Barclays Premiership match.

On all other match days, in both the Barclays Premiership and Uefa Champions League, highlights will be available five minutes after the final whistle.

But the deal does not give access to highlights of any games that are broadcast live.

Fans will be able to debate fiercely disputed penalties, contentious goal-line clearances and dubious sending-offs in the pub or on their way home after the match, with video evidence at their fingertips, said 3.

Gareth Jones, chief operating officer at 3, said: "We are delighted that our customers won't have to wait until late on Saturday night to see the goals on TV. Instead, they'll be able to see the goals on their video mobiles at 5.15pm."

"The new highlights package demonstrates our commitment to offering our customers the best mobile sports service in the UK."

Unlimited access to the highlights will cost 3 customers £5 per month with the 3 Sports add-on, or 50p per individual game clip download.