It’s a subtle tweak, but the addition of live streaming to the mobile web pages for the BBC’s UK National Stations is an important addition. Exec producer JamesSimcock goes into some of the thinking behind the decision on the BBC Internet Blog, but the main reason is user expectation – with more flat rate devices and wi-fi connections, bill shock is no longer the over-riding issue.

To get to the stations is simple – just browse to the natural URL of the station (eg www.bbc.co.uk/radio2) and the BBC web server will direct you to the correct mobile page, where you’ll spot a “Listen Live” button. Click that, and the streaming media player on your smartphone will start.

It appears to be the same stream as the iPlayer launches when you go for live radio, but this is (a) more integrated into user’s expectations and (b) can be used on devices where the iPlayer is currently not available – such as my Nokia X6.

Simcock writes:

Before audio streaming begins, an interstitial page displays detailed guidance and a warning on costs, in order to help users avoid any bill-shock. A couple of clicks later, via a majority of mobile devices (iPhone & iPod Touch to come) you'll be able to access all of the BBC's national radio networks.

For our digital-only networks… this is the first time their output have been available on a majority of mobile devices, so it's quite a significant step forward for us. You don't need any fancy or expensive downloadable apps, or even a high-end smartphone - just a stable internet connection from your phone, be that EDGE/GPRS, 3G or WiFi.

Find out more at the BBC Internet Blog, or just head for www.bbc.co.uk/mobile/radio for an index to all the stations.