Purpose-built centre in West London to support delivery of third-generation services London - January 10, 2002 - Hutchison 3G UK Ltd ('Hutchison 3G'), holder of the UK's largest third-generation mobile phone licence, today announced that it has awarded BBC Technology a contract to manage the production of its audio-visual content. The content will be accessible through Hutchison 3G's next-generation wireless service.
The five-year collaboration will be based in a centre in West London, where BBC Technology will process and edit content on behalf of Hutchison 3G. Before the content, including news and entertainment, can be sent to next generation subscribers it requires processing and converting into a format that can be delivered to third-generation wireless devices.
Colin Tucker, managing director of Hutchison 3G, said: "We are very pleased to have BBC Technology on board as we head towards launch later this year. It has a world-renowned reputation for production and quality. BBC Technology's understanding of how to work closely with broadcasters to facilitate content delivery was fundamental in our decision to appoint them."
Philip Langsdale, chief executive of BBC Technology, said: "Hutchison 3G requires cutting edge content production technology. BBC Technology is best positioned to deliver this because of our deep understanding of broadcasting, substantial IT engineering experience and editorial expertise. BBC Technology is delighted to be working with Hutchison 3G on the audio visual content for their third-generation wireless devices."
The value of the agreement was not disclosed.
For information please contact:
Hutchison 3G
Edward Brewster
press@hutchison3G.com
+44 (0)20 7887 7869
BBC Technology
Eileen Phillips
eileen.phillips@bbc.co.uk
+44 (0)20 7624 9468
+44 (0)7850 000 758
Notes to Editors
About Hutchison 3G
Hutchison 3G UK Ltd. ("Hutchison 3G") holds licence 'A' (a third-generation mobile licence), which was issued by the UK government in May 2000. This licence was for the largest block of spectrum auctioned in the UK, as it was set-aside for a new entrant to the market. The licence consists of 15MHz of paired spectrum, and 5MHz of unpaired spectrum.
3G is a convergence of media, information and telephony which promises to change people's lives by enabling them to access information on the move when, where and how they want. The 3G standard (agreed throughout Europe, Japan, China, and the rest of Asia) is formally known as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). It represents a global standard for third generation mobile communication systems and is at the heart of the Hutchison 3G initiative.
Hutchison Whampoa Limited holds a 65 per cent stake in Hutchison 3G, the other major shareholders are NTT DoCoMo (20 per cent) KPN Mobile (15 per cent).
For further information on Hutchison 3G please visit www.hutchison3G.com or call Kate Richardson on 020 7386 1411.
About BBC Technology Ltd
BBC Technology Ltd began trading on March 31, 2001 and has been established to maximise the value of the BBC's unique experience in providing the technological backbone to complex UK and global broadcasting requirements. It has been set up as a wholly BBC-owned commercial subsidiary in order to generate commercial revenue, while continuing to serve the technological needs of the BBC's public service operations. BBC Technology is able to draw on decades of engineering expertise, systems integration, IT and communications skills, including cutting edge innovation in digital transmission and broadcast systems control. Employing around 1300 staff, BBC Technology has already secured significant contracts for Media Communications, its Broadcast Network Control System and Consulting & Projects with customers such as Fox Digital, DirecTV, Loral CyberStar, TVNZ, BSkyB, UPC and RUV amongst others.
BBC Technology's web site can be found at: www.bbctechnology.com