DSTV mobile TV
MultiChoice launched its DVB-H mobile TV trials three years ago, offering users with a DVB-H handset and enabled SIM access to four sports channels, CNN International, Cartoon Network and urban television channel Trace.
This trial forms part of MultiChoice’s plans to launch a commercial mobile TV service in South Africa, and the company even committed to provide the 2010 Soccer World Cup visitors with a world class mobile TV service to view the event while on the move.
There is however a snag. ICASA’s slow progress on mobile television regulations means that MultiChoice may not be able to honour its pledge to FIFA that the 2010 event will be available on mobile phones. MultiChoice CEO Nolo Letele recently said that they are very keen to apply for a mobile TV license and roll out a DVB-H network, but said that ICASA’s current timetable is ‘worrying’.
In February this year ICASA unexpectedly withdrew an invitation to apply for mobile TV licences, saying that it wants to finalise the digital migration policy and frequency band plans first. In July ICASA released a findings document regarding the finalization of the Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) Regulations, something which should assist the progress of mobile TV licensing.
“The conclusion of the regulatory process will also pave way for the finalisation of the Broadcasting Frequency Plan, and the licensing of mobile television services before the end of the calendar year, 2009, well ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” ICASA said.
Letele appears unconvinced, and said that while he hopes the process will somehow be accelerated, he can not say with confidence that ICASA will conclude the mobile TV regulatory process in time for a network to be rolled out and commercial services to be launched before the 2010 World Cup.
DSTV Mobile TV discussion
Loading ...