(30 January 2008 5:30 pm)

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has closed a video-on-demand (Vod) licensing deal with South Korean mobile operator SK Telecom.

Under the agreement, a selection of SPTI's films and TV shows will be offered on-demand and in full length to SK Telecom's mobile customers through its mobile platform Nate and June.

Titles at launch include the three Spider-Man films, Kung Fu Hustle, Surf's Up and the Emmy-nominated TV series The Tudors.

SPTI senior VP distribution Ross Pollack says, "Sony Pictures Television International is thrilled to team up with SK Telecom to offer the best of Hollywood entertainment to South Korean mobile users. The country is one of the most wired in the world, and a pioneering market in terms of new media. This deal further strengthens our leading position in digital and mobile distribution in Asia."

SK Telecom VP of music business office Soo Hyeok Lee says, "Mobile technology is evolving and the way of consuming video content is changing fast. These changes are expected to encourage more and more customers to watch movies and dramas on their mobile phones. We will continue to expand our partnership with media companies to enrich mobile-based video content services".