Chinese firm to build BT Movio handsets

BT Movio users will simply see a roster of channels and services

BT has signed an agreement with Chinese phone maker ZTE to develop the world's first 3G mobile handset compatible with BT Movio's wholesale mobile entertainment service. 

The phone will enable 3G mobile operators to offer BT Movio's broadcast mobile TV and DAB digital radio service for live, mass-market channels alongside existing video-on-demand services and niche channels over 3G networks.

The choice of technology will be invisible to consumers who will simply see a roster of channels and services.

BT's agreement with ZTE was signed at a ceremony at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London to mark the occasion of an official visit to the UK by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

The deal closely follows the commercial launch of BT Movio in the UK last week, after trials late last year. 

BT Movio is the first wholesale service to offer mobile TV, DAB radio, seven-day programme guide and 'red button' interactivity for mobile phones.

ZTE will develop and supply multi-mode 3G/DAB-IP enabled handsets to further extend the portfolio of devices capable of supporting the BT Movio service.

"With the introduction of the first 3G mobile device capable of supporting DAB-IP, we will be in a strong position to extend the BT Movio wholesale proposition to 3G mobile operators in the UK," said Emma Lloyd, managing director of BT Movio.