BBC bought iPads, iPhones not approved for staff

LONDON, UK: The BBC spent over 40,000 pounds last year on 104 flashy Apple iPads and iPhones even though they are not approved for use by its staff, a media report said.

Citing figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request, The Sun reported that the organisation handed out about 10,000 pounds worth of iPhones a month.

BBC said the gadgets were bought for "testing purposes... to see how they can help us".

It would not reveal the total cost as the expense is contained within a 10-year contract with Siemens.

Charlotte Linacre, of pressure group The TaxPayers' Alliance, urged the BBC to buy "cheaper gadgets" to ensure "taxpayers aren't picking up the tab for over-indulgence".