Opera Telecom, the international mobile services company, has launched its 3G video platform enabling media brands, broadcasters and content providers, to deliver video-based services to 3G subscribers. The platform is available as an off-the-shelf solution, providing pre-defined video channels, content, branding and billing. Additionally, customers can develop own-brand channels incorporating their own live streaming or pre-recorded content.
Opera Telecom’s 3G video platform enables live video streaming, downloadable streamed content, interactive dating, video chat rooms, video call centres and video mail and messaging. Video services are available to all video-enabled 3G handsets.
Gary Corbett, Managing Director of Opera Telecom, comments, “With the mobile phone playing an increasingly important role in the way mobile users enjoy entertainment, the 3G video platform is a great way to create user interactivity. Every channel will have various video applications including live webcams, video chat, live chat and archives of old material for users to download. Products will also be available for viewers to purchase and collect.”
3G Video billing is facilitated by Video Shortcodes that, similar to Premium Rate IVR, bill customers either on a per minute or a one-off “drop charge” basis. Video shortcode tariffs range from zero-rated to £5. UK Networks that currently support Video Shortcodes include Three, Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile.
Opera Telecom will be integrating its 3G Video platform as part of its core Dragon platform. The Dragon platform is an advanced, self-service mobile platform that provides Opera customers the ability to create and launch complex IVR, SMS and MMS marketing campaigns.
Opera Telecom has developed a number of pre-defined video channels aimed at a wide range of audiences. Portable Hollywood, produced by Cinema Electric, airs exclusively on mobile phones with new shows daily. The channel highlights the hottest celebrities, latest movies, parties, music, DVDs and bizarre happenings in Hollywood, including exclusive interviews, behind the scenes features and red carpet footage.
Teen Spirit channel includes extreme sport and indie music videos from US cable channel havoc TV. havoc also features regular releases from larger acts such as Chemical Brothers, Scissor Sisters, Fat Boy Slim, Basement Jaxx, and Erasure.
Corbett concludes, “With our announcement of the 3G video platform we can now offer a powerful 3G service that can help deliver a stronger availability of entertainment services to 3G mobile users.”