The Republic's 24-hour news channel, Ireland Live Television News, has become the first worldwide to offer a live colour television news broadcast feed to mobile-phone users.

The live network, which has been broadcasting continuously via the internet from its news centre at Dublin's Mount Street for three months, has this week begun offering its television content to mobile phone users through the general packet radio service (GPRS) of all mobile networks.

Not only can the channel be viewed using a mobile phone, but it can also be accessed by anyone owning a handheld device. The phones and devices are mini PCs capable of receiving moving digital television pictures and sound, and are known collectively as personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Mr Andy Ruane, chief executive of Ireland Television Networks, says he believes more and more people will own PDAs in the next 12 months, giving his company an ever-expanding viewership. His group will raise revenues by selling advertising between programmes just as traditional television channels operate.

He believes the new digital television feed to mobiles is the start of a new era in television viewing, which will enable viewers to watch television wherever they are, either in the Republic or overseas. "I think this Christmas PDAs are going to be the new thing. . . and, in 12 months' time and beyond, a huge number of people will have them," he said.

"As it is, a lot more people have mobile phones than PCs so I really see this as being the way of the future. They always said that one day we'd all be able to watch television on our phones no matter where we are and we've simply brought that day forward."

Those wishing to access the channel on their PDAs can do so free of charge at www.irelandlivetelevision.tv/mobile.