BBC's mobile iPlayer rumour

As a registered (and enforced) BBC television license payer, it’s been a really annoyance sitting in the States watching everyone back in the UK enjoy the launch of the iPlayer. The BBC’s rigorous IP blocking technology has made it impossible for me to use the service from an American internet connection. I could, if I was minded, arse about with proxy servers and whatnot, but I can’t be bothered. Instead I just sit back and fume a little, now and again.

New Media Age, the UK media weekly is quoting Mr BBC Mobile (that is, Matthew Postgate) as saying that work has begun on a mobile iPlayer, but that they haven’t yet decided whether the service will be used to record shows remotely, watch short clips or view entire shows.

Other reports, referenced by StrategyEye, reckon that we’ll shortly be able to view mobile iPlayer content via iPhone. It’s all moving in the right direction. I’d like to see the BBC make absolutely everything on BBC1 and 2 available for download and streaming on mobile for, let’s say, a 6 month trial. I know it’s an arse; I know it’s difficult with rights management, but it would be a fascinating trial to see just whether folk can be bothered to watch TV on their mobile. Me? I think I’d be happier watching something on my iPhone vs your average Nokia. Then again, I’d be much happier watching the likes of Top Gear on a big screen, rather than a small one.

So, still rumours.

Matthew Postgate is, by the way, a top chap. I’ve known him for years.