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Media Release
Sydney - 20 April, 2004
Network Ten and Australia's most advanced mobile service, 3, today confirmed that 3 would become one of the major sponsors of Network Ten's Big Brother, bringing a new technological twist to the TV show that has gripped fans across the nation since its inception.
As a major sponsor of Big Brother, 3's customers will be able to access up to the minute live footage from the House, receive regular Big Brother alerts, and video message the housemates - only available on 3 mobiles. They will also be able to download Big Brother 'wallpaper' images and special ring tones, and watch video highlights of the show. These features are the latest in a series of great additions to 3's array of video news, sport, information and entertainment.
As with past years, the exact format and content of Big Brother remains under wraps until the program goes to air. However the technological capabilities of 3's mobile network are sure to create a few unexpected surprises for the new housemates.
Some of the exciting elements of this year's Big Brother, which kicks-off on Sunday 2nd May, that can be revealed now, include new interactive features for fans. Chief among these is Virtual Big Brother. A world first, Virtual Big Brother is based on an SMS trivia game, with fans getting the chance to show off their Big Brother knowledge and compete against one another for a variety of money-can't-buy prizes. 3 has worked closely with Network 10 in developing the Virtual Big Brother concept and will be offering extra rewards and prizes to 3 customers throughout the Virtual Big Brother competition.
Meanwhile, in previous years housemates have had opportunities to receive personal messages from loved ones via video projection. But this year, a 3 handset will be used to deliver pre-recorded personal messages into the House, allowing housemates to view their message in private if they choose.
Peter Burr, 3's General Manager Marketing said: "Over the past three years we have seen the Big Brother phenomenon develop a huge following. 3's integrated sponsorship of Big Brother provides us with a terrific platform to demonstrate how 3's services can bring a new dimension to television and to Big Brother fans' viewing enjoyment."
Andrew Taylor, Ten's Network Sales Development Manager, said: "This is the most integrated sponsorship deal Ten has been involved in. It works on every level: for the program, the fans, the client and their target market. We're delighted to have worked so closely with 3 to incorporate new technology into the Big Brother experience."
Burr continued: "3 is the only mobile network in Australia to offer both live video calling and video streaming. Now with Big Brother on 3, not only will 3's customers be the first to know what is happening with the housemates, but fans can also expect to see new and exciting technological innovations within the program content itself."
Big Brother streaming and features will be available on many 3 mobiles including the latest NEC e616* and the NEC e313 handsets which launched in March on 3's Hot for 3** pricing plan. Video calling is available on most 3 handsets. ***
For further information
Anna L. Webb
PR Manager
3
Ph: (02) 9964 4268
awebb@hutchison.com.au
Alice Regester
Assistant Corporate Communications Manager
Network Ten
Ph: (02) 9650 1658
aregeste@networkten.com.au
Tara O'Driscoll
Zing
Ph: (02) 8303 6464
tara@zing.net.au
Notes to editors
3 is Australia's first and only true third generation mobile network enabling customers to make live face to face video calls. On 3 customers can also access:
* The multimedia content available on 3 continues to grow and now includes AFL, NRL and Soccer scores, video reports, fixtures as well as expert commentary of games; Video news, Surfcam, What's On, Eat&Drink restaurant and bar guide, Movie Previews, Tones & Pics, as well as comedy.
* The new NECe616 costs only $19 per month over 24 months with $50 connection fee;
or $456 up-front with no connection fee on a Hot for 3 or 3 for All plan. Purchase price includes $19 of free video calls a month to other 3 customers in Australia
**3's Hot for 3 pricing plan includes 3's New $99 Talk Cap allowing customers to make up to $500 worth of national voice calls a month and pay only $99 per month (excludes some call types). Plus Hot for 3 also provides free 10 minute national voice calls to any 3 mobile (normal call charges plus flagfall apply after 10 minutes).
*** Video calling and streaming is not supported on the Nokia 7600 mobile phone.
3's live video calling, video streaming, content services and some messaging services are only available in our video coverage zones in most areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth.
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