News release
London - 6 October 2005
3, the UK's first video mobile network, today announces a partnership with EMI Music UK, one of the country's largest recorded music groups, to supply full-length music videos directly to more than 3 million customers on the 3 network.
This is an important mobile music video agreement for EMI Music UK who will facilitate access for 3's customers to all the artists it has mobile rights for including music videos from Kylie Minogue, Coldplay, Jamelia, Joss Stone, Norah Jones and Gorillaz.
3 has set the industry direction for music video on mobile. It was the first mobile network to launch full-length music videos over mobile over a year ago and has since led the way with ground-breaking content such as the world premiere of Robbie Williams' single "Misunderstood" on the 3 network ahead of TV and radio.
This announcement builds on 3's existing music offering which includes audio tracks from EMI Music UK, full-length video and audio from Sony BMG and music videos from independent label artists through VidZone.
The agreement will enable customers to enjoy new releases on EMI Music UK's labels which include EMI Records, Parlophone, Relentless, Virgin as well as back catalogue material.
Graeme Oxby, Marketing Director 3 UK, says: "3's mobile music service is growing every day. Music is one of our most popular services and with this deal our customers can enjoy the latest music videos from top artists like Kylie, Robbie and Coldplay. 3's expertise in 3G means major record labels like EMI Music UK recognise the strength of a partnership with the UK's leading video mobile company."
Dave Gould, Commercial Manager, Digital Media for EMI Music UK, says: "We're delighted to bring videos from EMI Music UK's labels to 3. 3 is a leading network in bringing mobile music to its customers and we're really excited about working with them to allow fans to catch up with their favourite artists anywhere and at anytime."
Peter Jamieson, chairman of UK record companies trade association the BPI, said: "The UK recording industry is committed to making music available wherever and whenever the music fan wants it. We welcome the increasing range of repertoire now available on 3."
For more information on 3's products and services, please visit www.three.co.uk.
Notes to editors
Over 10 million full-length music videos were downloaded on 3, in only 6 months following the launch of 3's Video Jukebox service in August 2004.
About 3
Hutchison 3G UK Limited deliver third-generation mobile multimedia and communications services under the 3 brand in the UK, offering a convergence of media, information and telephony to enable live video calls, multimedia content and entertainment while on the move. 3 services are available from sister companies in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy and Sweden. 3 also holds a UMTS licence in Norway.
For further information, please visit: www.three.co.uk or call the 3 Media Office on 0207 350 5696.
Three facts about 3:
- 3 is the UK's first video mobile network.
- 3 is the UK's fastest growing mobile network. Over 3.2 million customers in the UK now have access to 3's range of 3G services, from video messaging and video calling to watching full-length music videos and goals from Barclays Premiership football.
- 3's network offers national coverage for calls and texts, and over 85% coverage for video services.
About EMI Music UK
EMI Music UK is one of the country's leading record companies, comprising four front line label groups - Angel Music, EMI Records, Parlophone and Virgin - one catalogue division and numerous imprints and associated labels. These include the world famous EMI Classics, Blue Note jazz label, Heavenly Records, Innocent, Relentless and dance label Positiva. Each label maintains an individual musical and creative strategy and ensures that EMI represents many of the best-known recording artists in the world.