3 signs up Playboy to lift flagging handset sales

The mobile phone operator 3 tried to fire up interest in next-generation phone services yesterday by confirming it had signed a deal with Playboy Enterprises to offer adult content on its handsets.

It is also understood to have signed a similar deal with Paul Raymond Publications, the publisher of pornographic magazines.

Users of the 3 service, who are over 18 and whose identity and age has been verified by the company, will be able to access pornographic photos and video clips by using a special pin code.

The company has also pledged only to use adult content that would receive an 18 certificate in an effort to ensure hard-core pornography does not creep on to the handsets.