(29 March 2007 10:25 pm)

MUMBAI: The History Channel announced the launch of its direct-to-consumer mobile service in the UK to deliver the network's content to viewers via WAP. The channel's mobile service offers a range of tiers, including a free service, pay per download or subscription.

arvato mobile, a subsidiary of the international media and communication services provider arvato AG - a corporate division of Bertelsmann - built and will serve the platform for the service which was launched on 28 March in the UK. Localized versions of The History Channel mobile service will roll out in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia later in the year.

The mobile service will showcase content including a feature called 'This Day in History'- daily feature with text and images, program information, video highlights, quizzes, polls and competitions. Through the subscription and pay per download services consumers can view short form video and download wallpapers and games.

The UK service also gives users direct mobile access to a 30,000-entry encyclopaedia allowing viewers to search for dates and facts. The channel's mobile service can be accessed in the UK by texting HISTORY to 81066 or through the mobile URL, mobile.thehistorychannel.co.uk. To promote the launch, the subscription service will be available for free for the first six weeks.

The History Channel currently has mobile TV services in the UK with Vodafone Sky Mobile, Three and Orange, in Portugal with Vodafone, TMN and Optimus, in Spain with Vodafone, in Latin America on Claro in Brazil and Telcel in Mexico through MobiTV, and in Turkey through Mobilturk.