3, Ireland's fastest growing mobile network, has launched Ireland's first video-on-demand service fully funded from advertisements.  The FREE service which will be available to both Pre and Post Pay 3 customers is powered by mobile enabler Gorillabox (www.gorillabox.net), will comprise of a range of mobile videos and games funded through advertising in the form of ten second adverts placed at the beginning and end of the content video stream.

The service can be found under the 'Free Stuff' icon on Planet 3. Initial content available will be 'laugh out loud candid camera' style videos, celebrity gossip and short films with other content and games expected in the coming weeks.  Quick off the mark to engage with consumers through this new service, '1800 Hotels' has signed up to trial the service at launch. Demographic information will be requested for first time content users, enabling 3 and Gorillabox to develop tailored content for consumers and target audiences for potential advertisers.  

Rob Langton, Head of Products, outlined the rationale for the free service, "3 is a market leader in mobile content and we are excited to be first to market with this free content offering. The fully ad-funded service is an innovative approach to providing real value to our customers. Gorillabox will plan, manage and track the content across the portal and work in conjunction with 3's advertising partner, Sales Online, to handle all advertising inventory". Expanding, Rob Langton said, "Gorillabox's technology will enable us to show our strength as a leading edge new media and e-commerce brand and the combination of branded and user-generated content should provide something for everyone."

Christian Harris, founder and CEO Gorillabox said, "There is a massive demand for mobile video-on-demand and 3 has consistently been one of the most innovative networks in mobile content. Only Gorillabox can handle the advertising content and volumes of video streaming which 3 Ireland anticipate from this free service. The fact that Gorillabox not only designs, builds and manages sites such as the 3 Ireland service but can also manage all customer data capture as well makes us truly a 360 degree service provider".