World Cup on mobile and Internet

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For the first time in its 76 year history, the FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live on mobile phones. Infront Sports & Media has recently signed two exclusive agreements granting rights in the category of Mobile Telephony and World Wide Web. The agreements signed with Swiss mobile network operator Swisscom, for the territory of Switzerland, and with Daum Communications for the territory of South Korea.

While Swisscom is entitled to offer to its customers live and delayed streaming transmissions of all full 64 matches, Daum’s license include up to four minutes of video material per match for "near-live" and/or delayed highlight coverage on mobile phones and via the Internet.

Oliver Seibert, an Executive Director of Infront, said: “The agreement with Swisscom is another ‘first’ in history of FIFA World Cup broadcasting. The fans in Switzerland will be able to enjoy an unprecedented variety of live viewing options delivered through multiple distribution windows.” “The agreement with Daum Communications is of great importance for Infront and the 2006 FIFA World Cup as it covers one of the most prospering new media markets in Asia. South Korea has the highest broadband penetration worldwide including tremendous download speed rates and 3G usage is currently going through an extreme growth spurt”.

Swisscom Mobile is the leading Swiss mobile communications provider with the best national network coverage. Swisscom Mobile AG belongs to the Swisscom Group at a share of 75% and to the Vodafone Group at 25%. The company provides its four million customers a first class network, outstanding service and excellent offers.

Daum Communications Corp., based on Asia’s largest Internet platform, is a global media company with businesses in communication, online shopping, entertainment and finances with over 37 million registered members. In 2004, Daum Communications acquired a 100 percent ownership of Lycos Inc.