Rok's FreeBe mobile TV actually works

FreeBe TV does actually work but there are major snags. Fortunately, there really are no viewing charges - just the mobile operator's fee for using data across its network.

Catch Number One is that FreeBe TV presently offers only four channels of content: - Classic Cartoons; Classic Movies; Extreme Sports and Vintage Comedy. Classic Superheroes will be available very soon and there are more channels slated for the near future which will include live news and sports.

If you go to the Rok TV web site and click on the FreeBe TV link, you then fill in a short form and Rok's service will send an appropriate WAP link via text.

Clicking on the WAP URL takes you to the FreeBe TV WAP site. All you need know is the PIN number Rok provided.

Catch Number Two is that Rok claims to support a mere 14 models from the major handset vendors such as HTC, LG, Samsung, Sanyo, Sony Ericsson and Motorola.

In practice it should work with most models that have a Real Player media player loaded. The INQ tried it successfully on a Nokia N70, for example. It worked but this particular model wasn't listed.

Catch number Three is that it is supposed to work over 2.5G. In the INQ's case the site simply reported that there wasn't enough bandwidth to support the video streaming.

Rok asks you to email them if your network won't provide the link. The INQ cheated and used 3G and it definitely worked.

If you're curious to see what TV might look like on a regular handset, then it's worth a try. The service is presently offered in both the UK and the USA. ?

L'INQ
Rok TV