The deal takes the number of channels available as part of the DAB-IP-based platform to five, along with BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and E4. It also offers 50 digital radio stations.

ITN News is a channel made specifically for mobile phones by ITN On (formerly ITN Multimedia), carrying updated news bulletins every 15 minutes.

BT Movio’s wholesale service is being retailed by Virgin Mobile. Launched on October 1st, the service is available for free with contracts of £25 a month or more. For Pay As You Go customers the service (other than BBC One, which is provided free) costs £5 a month, after an initial 90 days free.

Emma Lloyd, managing director, BT Movio said: “The addition of ITN News further strengthens our launch content-line up. During the BT Movio pilot, consumers consistently ranked news as the number one preference in their content line-up. Consumers also told us that they wanted trusted brands, and ITN is synonymous in the UK with news and factual programming.”

Nicholas Wheeler, managing director, ITN On said: “ITN On focuses on producing content for mobile phones. We see the BT Movio wholesale mobile broadcast entertainment service as a key part of the future of mobile broadcasting in the UK and therefore our inclusion on the platform is of strategic importance.”

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