O2 has launched a trial to bring streaming video to mobile phones, allowing 400 customers in Oxford to choose from 16 channels.

The trial is scheduled to commence next week and will run for up to six months. Nokia and Arqiva (formerly NTL Broadcast) are collaborating on the trial.

The TV shows are transmitted using the Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds (DVB-H) technology and require a special receiver to be attached to the mobile phone.

The technology allows a single signal to serve all devices within its reach, and complements streaming video over high speed data networks.

A specially crafted programme guide allows users to set an alarm to prevent them missing important shows.

Transmitting mainstream content via a traditional broadcasting signal could save bandwidth for customised applications.

Nokia plans to build in support for the DVB-H technology into future handsets.

The trial is the first in the UK and follows earlier experiments in Finland and other locations in Europe, Asia and North America.