Mobile DStv a (small) step closer
Mobile TV has been on the cards since 2005, with predictions that it would be “all over the place” by 2008 (see: MultiChoice announces DVB-H trial).
A few weeks ago the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) disqualified various players including Mobile TV Consortium, Super5 and MultiChoice from the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for mobile TV spectrum for not complying to various requirements of the process.
Two weeks after the announcement, ICASA reissued the ITA for 60% of Spectrum 1. This time applicants had almost 4 weeks to respond (28 June 2010 being the deadline) rather than the 3 weeks they had the first time round.
Mark Rayner, General Manager for DStv Mobile, confirmed that MultiChoice submitted their application on Monday and are awaiting the outcome.
DStv’s pilot network is currently showing Supersport 1, 2, 3, 4, and Blitz, as well as Africa Magic, Cartoon Network, Channel O, CNN. MTN and Vodacom subsribers taking part in the pilot have access to different SuperSport channels, however.
MTN subscribers get access to Blitz, SuperSport 1, 3, and 4 while Vodacom subscribers only get Supersport 1 and 2.
“MTN is one of the sponsors of the FIFA World Cup and as a sponsor they have exclusive rights to FIFA soccer content that is broadcast on SuperSport Blitz, 3 and 4,” explained Rayner. “This content is not available to Vodacom subscribers.”
When asked whether this model of certain carriers getting access to certain channels would persist into the official launch, Rayner’s answer was the same as when asked about the pricing of the service: “If MultiChoice is issued with a licence and the service is made available to the public, details of the service structuring would be made available thereafter.”
It isn’t yet clear when the process for allocating the first batch of spectrum for mobile TV will be completed.
Mobile DStv << will you purchase it at the right price?
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