Discovery Networks launches mobile TV applications

Discovery Networks has started live streaming of Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Turbo and Discovery Science on GPRS enabled mobile phones.

Discovery Networks has made its five TV channels - Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Turbo and Discovery Science - available on the mobile TV platform.

The mentioned TV channels will come as dedicated mobile applications, which will stream the content, including the ads that appear on the TV channel, live on GPRS enabled mobile phones.

To access and get the application, the user will have to send the keyword 'TV' as an SMS to 58888. Once downloaded, the application will reside in the mobile phone. The mobile applications will be monetised through the subscription model. There will be different subscription charges based on the package - daily (Rs 7), weekly and monthly (Rs 150) - which the user can opt for.

The mobile TV service will be made available across all leading networks such as Idea, Vodafone, Airtel, Aircel, BSNL, MTNL, Reliance, Tata Docomo and Tata Indicom.

In an official communiqué, Rahul Johri, senior vice-president and general manager, India, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, says, "It has always been Discovery's endeavour to evolve continuously and to strive to showcase its unique and differentiated content through most innovative and diverse platforms. Discovery has a wide distribution network in India and this recent tie up to broadcast its channels on mobile TV is just a step forward in the direction of leveraging new technology to create additional touch points with our current and prospective viewers."

Discovery Networks has partnered with Hyderabad based Apalya Technologies, which will enable the media company to power its content on mobile TV.