3 turns to Reuters for handset news

Hutchison-owned '3' has done a deal with Reuters for the provision of news and financial data over its soon-to-be-launched mobile network.

3 is one of the five operators that will be launching third-generation services in the UK but is the only company that doesn't currently run a second-generation network. As such, it has been aggressive with content partnerships, most famously securing exclusive rights to goals from England's football Premier League.

3 UK strategy and marketing director Lisa Gernon said: "Reuters is renowned worldwide for the integrity, depth and scope of its news and markets coverage and will play a central role in delivering on that vision."

A Reuters link will appear on the 3 homepage on handsets, leading to links updated in real-time via a feed from the information provider.

The other mobile operators are planning similar links to provide content, often experimenting with audio and video content as well as text. Orange, for example, is expected to use Ananova - which it owns - for news.