BBC Radio 1 listeners will be able to send the radio station free picture messages from their mobile phones for the first time on Friday 11th December, as part of its 'Access All Areas' week.
Listeners in the United Kingdom will be able to send free picture messages to the BBC Radio 1 messaging number (81199), for a chance to see their images featured on the BBC Radio 1 website.
Mobile industry trade body, The Mobile Data Association (MDA), brought together each of the UK’s major mobile network operators to form a partnership with the BBC which aims to get more young people involved with the station. The MDA has also launched an educational website with the long-term aim of helping people to send picture messages: http://www.getsettings.org.
Ben Chapman, Interactive Editor at BBC Radio 1, said: “Our goal is to mix the listeners’ picture messages with images of our DJs in an innovative way, so they all follow the theme of a well known piece of music. It’s a brilliant opportunity for Radio 1 to produce interactive content while explaining how to get the most out of mobile phones, and it encourages more interaction with our DJs.”
Martin Ballard, Operations Director at the MDA, said: “BBC Radio 1’s Picture Messaging Day should provide a springboard to generate further interest in the medium. Our getsettings website aims to address configuration issues around older handsets in circulation and SIM-only contracts. But the emergence of increasingly sophisticated and affordable devices means users can begin to capitalise on the rich mobile messaging facilities which are now available, as they did with text messaging at the beginning of the decade.
”Getsettings will provide a single unified hub of settings information for the Picture Messaging Day and into the future.”
WIN plc, a leading enabler of mobile media, entertainment and data services, is providing the technology which allows picture messages to be received and managed by the BBC.
For more information please contact, Tamsin Morgan, BBC Radio 1, 0207 765 5460 or Mark Hawkins, MDA, 07949 023795.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
About the picture messaging day
1. The following networks are participating and have agreed to provide free picture messages to the Radio1 text number 81199 for the day: 3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Vodafone and Virgin Media.
2, This does not include pictures sent from Eire, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
3. Only picture messages sent to the Radio 1 text number 81199 between midnight Thursday 10th December and midnight Friday 11th December will be free.
4. Mobile handsets with integrated cameras should all be able to send picture messages. Most phones are now instantly set up to send picture messages 'out of the box'.
5. Mobile handsets which have been used on a different network or are being used with ‘SIM only’ contracts might need to have the correct settings installed. These are available from the Mobile Network Operators' websites or further information and links are available at http://www.getsettings.org.
6. Customers must have Picture Messaging (or MMS) included in their contracts (pre pay or post pay) and Picture Messaging must be enabled on their handsets.
About The Mobile Data Association
The MDA reflects the common voice of the mobile data industry. The longest established dedicated Mobile trade association in the UK promotes the use and benefits of mobile data throughout industry and business. Press, regular industry conferences and seminars, and the operation of websites (www.themda.org and www.text.it) help promote a high level of awareness amongst users and advisers, directly influencing operational management.
In addition, the Association provides a forum for members of the industry to meet and share information on technical and business issues.
Press Contact
Tamsin Morgan, BBC Radio 1
0207 765 5460
Mark Hawkins, Mobile Data Association
07949 023795
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