Telstra signs Turner i-mode deal

i-mode is a mobile Internet service that provides subscribers with access to rich content, e-mail, games and other applications and services through their mobile phones.

Under the in-principle agreement with Telstra, Turner Broadcasting will offer world and regional breaking news, sports news and scores, weather and entertainment news from CNN, plus some of the programming content from Cartoon Network.

Telstra's managing director of wireless and mobility products, Holly Kramer, said Turner Broadcasting was the first of numerous i-mode content partners, both locally and abroad, set to offer relevant services to Telstra customers when i-mode launches in late October.

"In the months ahead we will be announcing some great content deals to provide i-mode subscribers with a premium wireless experience, delivered over a range of innovative, multifunctional handsets," Kramer said.

Kramer added that the look and feel of the content will closely reflect CNN.com and CNN television. i-mode subscribers will also be able to download games and content on their mobile phones featuring popular Cartoon Network characters such as The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, and Tom and Jerry.

Telstra is expecting that its recent 3G announcement will provide an additional layer of richer audio-video news and information capabilities.