Vodafone launches video calling

Vodafone will tomorrow launch its long-awaited next-generation mobile phones, with video calling.

The company refuses to comment on specifics before the public unveiling in Auckland, but did confirm plans for video calling.

"Every 3G [third-generation] handset that we sell will support video calling and all customers in 3G coverage area, whether it's here in New Zealand or overseas, will be able to use video calling," said data products marketing manager Fraser King.

The phones feature cameras on either side - one for taking pictures, and one for face-to-face video communication, a la Star Trek. Customers will be able to use the feature free within New Zealand until the end of October, whereupon the cost will be the same as voice calls. International calls will cost $1.99 a minute.

Six countries currently support Vodafone's video calling - Japan, Spain, Germany, Britain, Netherlands and Hong Kong - and King said that number would be boosted to 10 by the end of the week.

Vodafone would not comment on service costs or coverage range. The company is promising up to 15 handsets by Christmas, and some will be pricey - the Sony Ericsson V800, for example, will retail for $849. Subsidies on the phones will probably be available with calling plans, but Vodafone would not specify what these might be.

The new phones will also feature full music downloads, with more than 300,000 tracks available. Five free downloads will be offered until the end of October, after which tracks will cost $3.50 each.

The phones will also boast made-for-mobile TV channels, including custom-made Sky News, C4 and TV3 offerings and highlights from shows such as South Park. Vodafone will also offer "mobisodes", or made-for-mobile shows such as 24: Conspiracy, and clips from bro'Town and NZ Idol.

Television offerings will also be free until the end of October, then $3.50 a week or $1.50 per 10-minute session.

- additional reporting, Bloomberg