Podcasts on Mobile Phones

The USA's Alltel Wireless has launched a "podcast" service for mobile phones, using software provided by Melodeo. The service enables Alltel Wireless customers to search and listen to thousands of podcasts on their wireless phones for a monthly subscription of US$3.99. Alltel Wireless is the first company in the United States to bring this service to market.

Axcess Mobilcast offers continuously updated podcast episodes and radio shows from popular sources such as NPR and CNN, as well as thousands of independent podcasts from all over the world. The programs are short in duration and cover a wide range of subjects including comedy, music, sports and politics.

"As the wireless phone continues to become a media hub, Alltel Wireless is committed to providing its customers with the most entertaining, useful and innovative applications available," said Wade McGill, senior vice president of wireless product management for Alltel Wireless. "Podcasts have rapidly become a part of daily life for millions of Americans, and by partnering with Melodeo to bring Podcasts to wireless phones, our customers can now listen to their favorite programs wherever they go."

Axcess Mobilcast is currently available on several popular Alltel phones. A simple interface allows listeners to browse categories or search programs with no wait time. Podcasts are streamed or downloaded and can be added to the "My Favorites" channel with one click.

"We're bringing consumers the best selection of on-demand podcasts on their mobile phone," said Don Davidge, Melodeo founder and senior vice president, sales. "It's exciting to offer podcasting to millions of Americans as we move towards a seamless media experience between PC and mobile."

Posted to the site on 9th August 2006