UK based Internet service provider Freeserve is to test the use of micropayments via Vodaphone mobile phones in a pay-per-view trial involving the forthcoming Lennox Lewis boxing match.
The initiative will enable Freeserve's four million users to pay to view Webcasts featuring exclusive coverage from the Lennox Lewis training camp in the build up to his world title fight in South Africa on 22 April. The experiment is part of a strategic partnership with rights-holder Arthur Shaw to deliver online content for consumer purchase.
Users will be able to subscribe to the Webcasts by accepting charges against their Vodafone bills, avoiding the need to key in their credit card details and submit them over the Internet. Freeserve users who are not Vodafone customers will be able to sign up to view using premium rate telephone lines.
The test marks the first opportunity for consumers to view low-priced online narrowband content on a genuine pay-to-view basis claims Freeserve. Until now, consumers have been expected to pre-pay sums over £5 to view low-priced content and services online. The Freeserve trial is to test the consumer reaction to on demand payment mechanisms.
Daily content from the Lennox Lewis training camp will be accessible upon consumers' entering a unique code into their PCs and will cost £1 per day per device. Vodafone users can obtain the code via SMS by entering their mobile phone number on the Freeserve portal.