Mobile TV plan not clear, says BSkyB's Murdoch

It is still unclear what business model and types of content will make mobile TV a success, according to BSkyB chief executive James Murdoch.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Murdoch said mobile TV is still at an early stage.

He said: "The honest answer is that we don't know yet what is going to work best - whether that is the underlying technology, the business model or the content that appeals most strongly."

But he said BSkyB was "encouraged" by the response so far and added there have been more than five million streams of live TV channels on Vodafone's 3G network since the launch of its mobile TV service in November.

Murdoch told the paper: "Being able to watch channels like Sky Sports News live on your mobile has proved a big success. But it's not just about consuming content on the move. Mobile technology offers other ways we can add value for our customers. Soon you will be able to book a Sky+ recording from your Nokia or Blackberry so you never have to miss out on your favourite show."

People who insist no one will watch TV on their phones are missing the point, according to Murdoch.

He said: "Let's not expect any one device, however, to be the Swiss Army knife of mobile content. They all do different things - and they are all changing fast."