Vodacom streams budget speech

By Siyabonga Africa, ITWeb junior journalist

Johannesburg, 11 Feb 2009

Vodacom expects a two-fold increase in the number of viewers of its mobile TV service, when it streams finance minister Trevor Manuel`s budget speech this afternoon.

The cellular operator says the speech will be broadcast between 2pm and 3.30pm. An interview with the minister will also be streamed later on.

"Our lifestyles today are fast-paced and people do not always have the luxury of witnessing important events, which will impact their daily lives. Through mobile TV, Vodacom brings people the news as it unfolds," says Vodacom group chief communications officer Dot Field.

Field adds that Vodacom has frequently offered free content, which is of high interest to its consumers, ever since it started offering its mobile TV service in December 2005.

A statement from the cellular operator says the live streaming of Manuel`s budget speech will be free of charge and can be accessed by Vodafone Live! subscribers with 3G handsets.

Vodafone Live! is Vodacom`s infotainment and content consumer service, which allows customers with 2.5G and 3G WAP-enabled phones to download content such as music, games, news and mobile TV streaming.