BBC unpeels Orange phone pact

By STEVE CLARKE

BBC Worldwide has inked a deal with mobile phone operator Orange that gives subscribers to the latter access to video clips from shows such as "The Office," "Little Britain" and "Doctor Who."

Orange is the first mobile operator to sign a contract with the BBC.

Arrangement allows people to watch video clips of classic scenes on their 3G handsets and use catch phrases from the shows as ringtones. Images of characters from the skeins can be used as wallpaper for phones.

"Delivering great broadcast content on mobiles is central to our plans for 2006 and beyond, and there's nobody bigger and better than BBC Worldwide as a partner to get our customers excited," said Mark Hird, director of multimedia operations for Orange.

Some of Orange's U.K. competitors, including Vodaphone, already offer customers video clips using 3G technology, but the system can be slow and prone to picture breakup.