7DIG.L Regulatory News (7DIG)

18 Jan 2006 07:01

UBC Media Group PLC18 January 2006 18 January 2006 Results Of Mobile Digital Media Trials UBC Media Group plc (UBC) welcomes the results of two large-scale trials,arranged by BT, Virgin Mobile, O2 and Arquiva, that have demonstrated the valueof digital broadcast data spectrum in delivering multimedia content to mobilephones. The trials, conducted in London by BT Movio and Virgin Mobile and in Oxford byO2 and Arquiva, also show a strong desire by consumers to have digital radioincluded in mobile handsets. In the BT Movio trial, which included both TV andradio, radio had the stronger appeal (65% vs. 59%). In the O2 / Arquiva trial,which included only TV, 7 out of 10 triallists said that they would like to havedigital radio channels included in a commercial service. The BT Movio trial used DAB data spectrum on the Digital One multiplex. UBC isthe second largest owner, after BT Movio, of DAB data spectrum through itsownership of spectrum on the five MXR multiplexes. The BT Movio trial used anElectronic Programme Guide (EPG) developed by UBC's Unique Interactive softwaredivision. In the case of the BT Movio/Virgin trial, pilot users actually spent more timelistening to radio via their handsets than they did watching TV. Participantsspent an average of more than one and a half hours a week listening to digitalradio. By contrast, the average length of TV viewing was around one hour perweek. Participants in the BT Movio/Virgin trial explicitly mentioned the ease withwhich they were able to navigate between radio stations by using the on-screenEPG, developed by Unique Interactive. The O2/Arquiva trial, which used DVB-H spectrum, did not include radiolistening. Nevertheless, 7 out of 10 participants specifically urged theinclusion of digital radio channels in any commercially available mobilebroadcasting platform. UBC Media chief executive Simon Cole said: "The findings prove that consumers want to receive digital radio services viatheir mobile phones. That very fact will transform not only how media isconsumed in the future but help mobile operators, radio groups and technologycompanies to generate new revenues. I am particularly pleased by the wayconsumers have responded to the data services and EPG that UBC has developed.Their inclusion in the next generation of mobile phones will position thecompany as one of the leaders of the mobile broadcasting revolution." The Chief Executive of the Digital Radio Development Bureau, Ian Dickens,commented: "The DRDB welcomes the findings of both studies which furnish hard evidence ofthe strong consumer demand for digital radio-enabled handsets. Listenership todigital radio services -currently available via household sets, digitaltelevision and the internet - is certain to grow exponentially once it becomescommercially available on mobile phones." - ends - For further information, please contact: Simon Cole, CEO, UBC Media Group plc Tel: 020 7453 1600Andrew Sholl/Tim Allan, Portland Tel: 07736 36 46 56 Notes to Editors: UBC Media Group plc is one of only two publicly-quoted radio Groups with digitalradio services available on DAB, Sky, Freeview and the Internet. UBC is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. The Group is the marketleader in the supply of audio content and broadcast data software to the radioindustry in the UK. In addition to the entertainment, traffic & travel andnational news services provided to commercial radio, the Group is the largestindependent producer of radio programming for the BBC and the UK's leadingsupplier of digital radio scrolling text and EPG software. The Group also hassignificant digital radio broadcasting interests including Classic Gold Digital,the nationally distributed classic hits format. It is also part of the MXRRegional Multiplex consortium. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange