British mobile phone company Vodafone capped off a week of media tie-ups today by unveiling a deal that will allow its customers to access Google's popular online video service YouTube.
The launch will focus on the UK initially and involve YouTube providing a daily selection of videos. Vodafone said customers will also be able to forward links of their favourite clips and upload their own content from their phones.
Vodafone, Europe's biggest mobile operator, earlier this week said it would roll out a service in the first half with News Corporation's MySpace. That deal will allow its customers to access the social network via cell phones.
Yesterday, Vodafone became the latest operator to offer online auction site eBay on mobile phones. The moves reflect a drive by mobile operators to find new ways to get users to spend money as traditional call charges wane.
The hope is that customers will use more expensive data and mobile Internet services if they are offered the right applications, sites and download services.