German operators begin TV-to-mobile rollout

Germany's four mobile phone operators began trials of broadcasting television pictures, including coverage of World Cup football matches, on handsets, an AFP report said.

The report said clients of T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2, and E-Plus with specially-equipped phones would be able to receive television programmes and 16 radio stations until August 31.

The pilot project was only being operated in the cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Hanover, the report said.

The television content would include programmes from the two state-run channels, ARD and ZDF, which would show World Cup games, plus shows from privately owned channels and some specially made programmes, it added.

Phones capable of receiving television pictures are set to go on sale next year.

The monthly fee is expected to be between 5 euros ($6) and 15 euros ($19),depending on the number of channels selected.