Operators add cheer to ICC World Cup 2011

After Reliance Communications, the global partner of the International Cricket Council (ICC), first announced its live steaming the World Cup 2011 matches through its ICC zone on R-World VAS platform, other leading operators have also joined the game.

While Loop Mobile is offering VAS apps that include Cricket on Voice - with ball by ball commentary on your mobile in addition to match summary, team line up and match schedule, Cheer 4 India contest with daily prizes for subscribers, Special Cricket WAP zone on Loop Mobile's WAP site, with mixed bag of wallpapers, animations, videos to download from, and Social media promotions that include contests on the Loop Mobile Facebook and Twitter page, Uninor has launched 'Cricket Unlimited' – a voice application, available across handsets.

Available for Rs 3/day per match-day or Rs 30 for monthly pack on toll free number, Uninor subscribers can browse through 'Live Match Coverage', participate in 'Cricket Opinion Poll', and download 'Cricket Tunes' including ring tones and caller tunes as part of this offer. Beyond this, subscribers can also access Cricket Rankings, Match Schedules, and cricket trivia.

Not to be left behind in this race, Vodafone also bagged exclusive rights for live mobile streaming of ESPN Star Sports's game coverage for Rs 55 cr on ESPN Mobile TV. For the operator which is to start 3G services very shortly, the live streaming could come as a good preview.

And last but not the least, India's numero uno mobile operator, Bharti Airtel, who last week saw its DTH brand – Airtel Digital TV sign an exclusive deal with Sony India for its HD flat panel TVs, is also gearing up for a jump in sales for its cricket viewing.

In an official statement, Sugato Banerji, Chief Marketing Officer, DTH Services, Bharti Airtel, said, “Sporting events and festive occasions have always been welcome catalysts for the DTH industry. With back-to-back sporting action that includes the World Cup, T20, high profile test series with England and West Indies, we believe this offering will be a valuable proposition for both existing and new entrants to the category.”

The operator which most recently launched its 3G services in Karnataka, will also look forward to streaming of the matches on mobile, by its 3G subscribers.