Telstra has launched an app that allows National Rugby League (NRL) fans to watch the games live on their Android or iOS smartphones. The new service is not restricted to Telstra's customers.
The telco announced its partnership with NRL late last year.
The NRL Live 2013 app gives users access to live scores, live press conferences, full match relay and highlight videos, the 2013 NRL Telstra Premiership draw, match details with kick-off reminders, news updates, pre- and post-game reports, ladder and stats.
The app can be downloaded for free via the Apple App and Google Play stores. Users pay for the service, which costs $5.49 per week, or can be paid for on a monthly or annual basis for $14.99 and $89.99, respectively. Week-by-week billing is not available for Android users.
The app is not yet available on Windows Phone but is on Telstra's "product roadmap", according a spokesperson for the telco.
"We’ve had to prioritise based on the mobile platforms used by the majority of our customers," the spokesperson said.
The games that will stream live include the 2013 Telstra NRL Premiership, the Finals Series and Grand Final, the 2013 Anzac Test Match, U20’s Origin and Country v City game. The games are only available if they are played during the eligibility period of the weekly, monthly or annual pass.
“Telstra customers have the added benefit of incurring no data streaming and App browsing costs and superior coverage across the Telstra network, ensuring a richer on-the-go experience,” Telstra’s media group managing director, Rick Ellis, said in statement.
NRL CEO Dave Smith said the sporting organisation partnered with Telstra to respond to fans’ need to get “closer to the action” of the games through their mobile devices.
“Innovation is a key factor in growing the game online and in giving our fans the best possible Rugby League experience,” he said in a statement.
This article was updated on 8 March 2013.
Follow Techworld Australia on Twitter: @Techworld_AU