Australia's first live mobile video calling

By Bianca Lipari

Mobile video calling brings news, sport and comedy on demand

The Premier of NSW, Mr Bob Carr joked with the Premier of Victoria, Mr Steve Bracks that if he had to live in any State other than NSW it would have to be Victoria. Mr Carr and Mr Bracks were conversing on Australia's first official live mobile video call, at Hutchison's launch of 3 network.

With the launch of 3 network, the ability for Australian consumers to see each other as they speak on the phone, has become a reality. Users also have the ability to download video programs provided by media outlets such as AAP, Reuters, The Comedy Channel, Channel 9 and HWW.

"We're offering mobile video calling - the first and only in Australia, fresh video news, sport and comedy on demand, mobile video messaging complete with visuals and sound, the ability to have your emails read out to you on the move and, of course, we also offer the basics - voice, SMS, picture messaging and games," Kevin Russell, CEO of Hutchison Telecommunications Australia Limited, said.

Under the global 3 brand, Hutchinson plans to launch its mobile offering in nine markets with a combined reach of over 170 million consumers. Australia is the third country where the product has been launched, behind Italy and the UK.

According to Hutchinson, the cost of making a mobile video call will be around the same price as a mobile voice call.

Using a purpose-built 3G network, Hutchison claim they can provide services not available in second-generation networks and process data at faster speeds. For example, a 30 second video clip takes less than 15 seconds to download.

The service will initially be supported by two handsets with more following later in the year. The NEC e606 supports all launch services and the Motorola A830 supports all launch services, with the exception of video calling. 3 voice and SMS services can be used anywhere in Australia where 3 or Vodafone, their voice roaming partner have coverage.

Mr Russell believes that Hutchison is offering mobile services which have not been seen here before and will become a part of everyday life sooner than expected. "Video calling usage will snowball as many of us encourage friends to take up the service," he said.

Comprehensive coverage is available in metro Sydney and Melbourne with Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to follow in a few months time.

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