National Rugby League (NRL) fans who can’t catch the action at the game or their favourite bar will be able to watch matches live on their mobile phones and tablets, regardless of their carrier.
Telstra has signed a five-year digital media deal with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC). The telco will acquire exclusive broadcast rights of all NRL matches and exclusive post game access/press conferences for mobile and tablet devices.
In addition, Telstra will operate the NRL website, related team websites and the official NRL iPhone and Android app.
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According to interim ARLC CEO Shane Mattiske, the extension of the 12-year-old partnership between Telstra and the ARLC will deliver more fans “unprecedented coverage” of the game.
Telstra’s CEO David Thodey added that the deal would help make NRL more accessible to Australians, regardless of where they are based.
“At NRL games and events, fans will also have the opportunity to interact with the sport and their heroes,” he said in a statement.
“Meanwhile we will continue to develop the sport through grassroots community programs.”
A Telstra spokesman told Computerworld Australia that its grassroots program with the NRL will be finalised ahead of the 2013 season.
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