Optus Mobile has today made viewing video on your mobile phone a reality by launching a new range of mobile services including MMS video messaging, videostreaming and mobile games.
Allen Lew, Managing Director of Optus Mobile, said Optus is bringing colour, movement and content to enrich the mobile consumer's experience.
"You won't have to wait until 3G to get video on your mobile, Optus can deliver it today," he said.
"Armed with the latest mobile phones, our customers will be able to send, receive and retrieve video clips and video messages."
Using MMS technology, video messaging allows users to view a short video clip which is less than 100kb in size. This roughly equates to a 30 second video clip.
From March 5, Optus will offer (in association with Australian Associated Press) MMS video content which includes video clip updates of lead news items from Channel 7 as well as movie previews from film website, Urban Cinefile.
Also on sale from March 5 will be two new video capable handsets, the Sony Ericsson P800 and the Nokia 3650 which also has the ability to record video.
"The ability to get snippets of video on the move is what we believe will make these services attractive to consumers," Mr Lew said.
"For example, you'll be able to shoot a quick video and forward it to friends and if you missed the TV news you can grab a quick look at the lead story of the day on your mobile wherever you are.
"While you might not want to watch a full length movie on your mobile, you can use it to flick through a few trailers before deciding which film you are going to see," he said.
By the end of April, Optus will also support videostreaming giving customers the ability to download and watch video content such as music video clips direct from the internet.
Optus is also launching new software and games for java-capable mobiles. This includes picture-editing software for MMS called Photo Express as well as a car racing game, Zapper, and an adventure game, Combat Tank Attack.
Behind the fun and games, there is a serious commercial imperative driving Optus' push into providing a wider range of mobile data services.
"These initiatives are part of our goal to continue to increase our mobile data revenue and drive up average revenue per user.
"Voice calls will always be important, but mobile data services are critical to the future growth in mobile," Mr Lew said.
To help kick-start the take-up of the video enabled handsets, Optus is offering customers the opportunity to take advantage of a new data plan with low prices for data services.
Optus customers can buy a Sony Ericsson P800 outright for $1489. On the special data plans they can have the handset for $0 on a $99 a month plan for 24 months. This includes daily delivery of MMS Video content and $55 of included calls and SMS. The first 500 bundles to be sold will also receive a free Sony Ericsson T100 handset.
The Nokia 3650 can be purchased outright for $929 or on the special data plans for $0 on a $99 a month plan for 24 months. This includes daily delivery of MMS Video content and $70 of included calls and SMS.
Outside of these plans, it will cost 75 cents to send a MMS video message. MMS video content including news and film reviews costs 75 cent per download or per message sent.
Customers can register for the new content online at or via the 'yes' info portal on the services menu of their new handset.
Videostreaming is charged at Optus GPRS data rates.
From March 5, full details of the offers, handset pricing, terms and conditions are available at www.optus.com.au
For more information:
Louise Ingram
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 5042