BBC gets go-ahead to create phone apps

The BBC Trust has given plans to deliver content through dedicated smartphone applications (apps) the green light, after ruling that they were not a significant change to the BBC's existing public services and did not need further scrutiny.

As soon as the announcement was made, the BBC launched a news app for the iPhone and iPad. Apps for other devices such as Android phones will be launched later in the year along with similar apps for BBC Sport and iPlayer.

The BBC first announced in February that it planned to launch the apps, but the Newspaper Publishers Association (NPA) accused the corporation of barging into the market and trampling over commercial news firms which were exploring the growth area.

The trust looked at the potential impact of the proposals, including the financial implications, and found that the apps were likely to have a positive impact on users by providing easier access to online content, although they would not provide any new content.