3 UK and DigiTV Launch Local Authority Information Services on 3G Network

Europe UK : DigiTV and mobile media company 3 announced a partnership bringing Local Government services to mobile for the first time.

The new local authority service, launched in March, makes use of the most advanced 3G network in the UK to provide information on local council services to more than 3.2 million customers on the 3 network. This agreement will see information and services from over eighty Local Authorities, providing a convenient way for members of the public to keep in touch with council services. With over 88% population coverage in the UK, 3 has the best coverage for 3G services.

“Looking Local” is the citizen brand of DigiTV, publishing information on Local Government services to the community. Some of the “Looking Local” services that are available on 3 include:

Reporting broken street lighting, graffiti, fly tipping, missed rubbish collections – on the spot
Finding out opening times of local facilities - like the leisure centre, library or recycling depot
Sending an email to the council
Get Citizens Advice information
Booking a GP appointment (South Yorks only)
Checking the status of a housing benefit claim (South Yorks only)
Soon you will also be able to search for a job and find out transport information right across the country.
Each Local Authority concentrates on the services and information it believes local residents most require, with 3G technology availability in all areas advancing, services are set to become even more comprehensive.

Tim Lord, 3’s Regulatory Director commented: “3 offers a leading range of communication, entertainment and information services over mobile, in more places in the UK than any other network. We’re delighted to be the first to offer our customers local government information on the move. The launch of this new service is further evidence that 3G technology is bringing benefits to both the consumer and the citizen alike.”

DigiTV says: “3 was the natural choice for the extension of our service and we are excited to be working with this innovative new platform. DigiTV is confident that people up and down the country will be able and interested in using these services and our partner Local Authorities are keen to enable citizen contact on the move. 3G handsets are a powerful communications device and we shall be investigating further services - particularly in the arena of mobile working for Local Government staff - taking advantage of the flexibility and opportunity 3G offers.”

DigiTV offers Local Government organisations the ability to make information and services available to the public and their employees via digital interactive TV platforms, kiosk and now mobile. DigiTV believes local governments can benefit from efficiencies brought about by embracing mobile as a channel. The majority of people in the UK now own a mobile phone and handsets have developed to offer a range of advanced services including video calling and high-speed internet access. 3 and DigiTV are enabling more citizens to interact with their local authority in a quick and convenient way.

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