BBC News Select FAQ

The following are answers to frequently asked questions about the BBC News Select application for mobile phones.

What is a WAP push message?
If you send us a text message or sign up online, we will respond to the number you supplied with a special text message containing a download address of our mobile Java application, BBC News Select.

Open that text message and click on the link inside the message. This will start the download and installation of BBC News Select to your mobile phone. Download charges may apply.

How much does it cost to use the BBC News Select application or send in an SMS to the BBC?
The BBC does not charge for using this application. However charges for using the internet on your phone may apply. Costs vary from one operator to another.

Operators may charge for time spent browsing or for the amount of data downloaded. For example, if an operator charges £2 per megabyte of data downloaded, it would cost approximately 15-20p to access and read 15 BBC news stories.

Please consult your operator to find out about their specific charges.

You will incur a cost by sending SMS messages to BBC News. Network charges vary so check with your operator to find out their specific charges for sending international SMS messages.

Why are we launching it?
BBC News is seeking to raise awareness that its content is available on mobile devices and we also aim to make it as simple as possible for users to get to BBC content using their mobile device.

Do I need this application to get BBC News on my mobile?
No. BBC News is universally available for connected mobile devices. Just go to bbc.com/news on your mobile internet browser. You may also wish to bookmark this link.

Will BBC News Select work on any network?
Yes it will. However you need to be able to access the internet from your mobile device. If you are unsure how, ask your operator about accessing the internet from your mobile.

It would also be worth finding out what data charges apply. Some network data charges are high.

What technology is the BBC News Select application using?
The application is available for mobile devices compatible with the Java MIDP 2.0 standard.

The concept for the application has been developed by independent company iconmobile GMBH.

What handsets will BBC News Select work on?
BBC Java News Client for Mobile Devices is supported on wide range of devices.

Click here to find out if your handset is supported.

Where do I send feedback about BBC News Select?
You can send feedback to us straight from the application itself. Just select Menu and then Feedback. Alternatively, you can send us an email to [e-mail] Please note that the BBC cannot respond to all feedback received.

What content does BBC News Select offer?
It offers 16 full text stories, and you can choose which areas interest you. Keep up with the top stories from BBC News on your mobile.

Choose from Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, South Asia, Business, Economy, Technology, Education, Health, Politics and all the local news from six Scottish areas, Northern Ireland, 40 English regions and five Welsh regions.

You can also choose from a wide range of sport content including football, cricket, rugby union, rugby league, tennis, golf, motorsport, boxing, athletics, racing, snooker, cycling, and disability sport.

There are also 156 league and non-league football clubs for you to choose from. You can find the A - Z list of teams under Sport - Football - Teams.

How do I select a content section?
To select a content section simply click on of the empty slots labeled Please Choose. Using your phone's joystick, the up and down keys or numbers 2 and 8 on your mobile phone's numeric keypad, select the section that interests you.

Click save, a function that will show up as either left or right soft key, depending on your handset.

How do I remove a content section choice?
To remove a content selection click on menu that will show up as either left or right soft key, depending on your handset.

Using your phone's joystick or the up and down keys (usually numbers 2 and 8) select Settings from the menu, followed by Section Choices from the screen, where you will be able to remove all or individual sections you have selected previously.

What can I do with all the other options in the settings menu?
Text Options - Here you can choose if you want to receive Headlines and Summaries or Full Text content.

Image Options - Here you can choose if you want to turn images on or off. The default setting for the application is to deliver thumbnail images. You can also only view large images on request by clicking on the link bellow the small image inside the story.

Update Options - If you decide to keep the application running in the background (this is not available on every mobile device), here you will be able to choose the update interval. Choose from manual update, On Start Up, Every 15, 30 or 60 minutes.

The best setting is On Start Up, this way you are sure to get the latest content every time you launch the BBC News Select for mobile phones.

System Messages - From time to time you will notice that you are getting prompts if the application needs to connect and go online or if it needs to shut down. You can enable or disable these messages in this area of the application.

My Details - You can enter your details here if you decide to use the application to send feedback to the BBC. The personal information you provide is stored locally on your device and is used only to process your feedback after which it is permanently deleted from our systems.

My device is not supported. If I send you the model will the BBC provide a version that is compatible?
In short, no. We have worked very hard to identify a range of devices that would enable us to provide this service to the widest possible spectrum of mobile phone users.

Due to complexities and differences in Java technology on different handsets and operators we are unable to provide this service for every mobile phone device on the market.

If you are interested in accessing BBC News Select content on you mobile device you may be interested in the following services:

Getting BBC News on your mobile device

Email news alerts on your mobile

Setting up your PDA to read BBC News