BBC to charge international iPlayer iPad users less than $10 a month

DG promises a global launch this year, and calls for UK roadmap for mobile TV rollout.

The BBC will launch its iPlayer iPad app outside the UK this year, and it will cost less than $10 a month to subscribe to, according to director general Mark Thompson.

Speaking at the FT Digital Media & Broadcasting conference in London, Thompson promised that the app - already available for free in the UK - will cost overseas users "a small number of dollars per month, definitely fewer than 10".

"We’re exploring internationally what the right pricing and models are ... the most important thing is the consumer pricing is right."

Thompson also called for a new effort to kickstart mobile TV in the UK, following less-than-successful attempts in the past by operators to convince mobile users to pay for TV on their phones.

"I believe that there’s a strong case for the UK’s broadcasters, mobile phone operators, Ofcom and government to come together to develop a roadmap for the introduction of mobile TV in this country."