MultiChoice preparing for commercial DStv mobile launch
MultiChoice announced today that it has received a Mobile TV broadcast frequency license from communications authority ICASA after a process that lasted several years.
“Preparation can now commence to commercially launch the innovative digital broadcast service,” MultiChoice said in a press statement.
MultiChoice has been trialing its DStv mobile service since 2005, but licensing delays meant that the company could not launch commercial services.
“Mobile TV is a long term opportunity that will require significant investment. The concept, technology and business models are still evolving globally and it will take many years to see any returns on this investment,” said Nolo Letele, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice South Africa Group.
“However, it is important for the development of South Africa’s ICT engineering capability that we constantly experiment on the cutting edge of new technologies.”
MultiChoice’s chosen technology behind broadcast Mobile TV, Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) offers robust digital sound and picture quality.
The service utilises a dedicated broadcast network, designed specifically for mobile devices, so many people can watch DStv content at the same time on a range of devices.
MultiChoice pointed out that the DVB-H based mobile TV service is not to be confused with the recently launched DStv Mobile streaming service that utilises the mobile network operator’s 3G networks.
“The various building blocks to launch the service commercially are being put in place, the most significant being the integration of DVB-H technology into a meaningful number of cell phones. This is expected to take time as the technology will be integrated into new generation handsets,” said MultiChoice.
“To date we have already invested R300 million in experimentation on mobile broadcast technology and network infrastructure. We will expand on this investment in the construction of an extensive broadcast network. “
“We will work with our industry partners to roll out the service in South Africa and will confirm an official launch date in due course,” said Mr Letele.
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