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BBC to delay launching its smartphone apps

Stuart Dredge
BBC to delay launching its smartphone apps

BBC Trust to investigate plans following complaints from commercial rivals.

The BBC has been forced to delay the launch of its first smartphone apps, after its governing body the BBC Trust announced plans for a review of its plans.

The Beeb was due to launch a BBC News app next month, with others to follow including one for its iPlayer catch-up TV service.

However, commercial rivals had criticised the plans, saying the free apps would hamper their own ability to explore new (paid) business models on mobile for their own apps.

A spokesperson for the BBC Trust tells Media Guardian that "representations from the industry" spurred its review, which will focus on the financial implications and impact of the new apps on the BBC and its rivals.

Smartphone users can, of course, already access the BBC's news and sports websites - as well as iPlayer - via the mobile web versions.

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However, it seems users waiting for a proper iPlayer app will be waiting a bit longer now.

Tags: bbc