Консорциум за WiMAX triple play
Thomson and WiNetworks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will enable the delivery of seamless triple play and mobile services (video, voice and high-speed Internet) over broadband wireless technology WiMAX.
WiNetworks’ solutions allow one-way broadcast operators such a DTH/DBS satellite operators, DVB-T, MMDS and one-way cable to extend their existing infrastructures to deliver a complete bundle of triple play to their subscribers.
“As many recently confirmed officially, DBS carriers have recognized the need to expand beyond their satellite infrastructure in order to deliver broadband triple play services” commented Effi Atad, CEO, WiNetworks. “Our solution will enable DBS operators to deliver fully integrated fixed and mobile connectivity services, and compete on all fronts in the market for broadband-based communication services.”
Ghislain Lescuyer, SEVP, Systems and Equipments SBU of Thomson, said the company’s strengths were very complementary and addressed the key requirements of triple play service delivery, “always-on broadband connectivity and cost-effective CPE deployments.”
French DVB-H trial confirms mobile TV interest
A trial of mobile TV using DVB-H involving Groupe Canal+, Nokia, cellular operator SFR and broadcast transmission specialist has revealed strong consumer interest in such a service, with 73 per cent of trialists declaring themselves satisfied with the service.
Key findings included the fact that trialists watched the TV on average for 20 minutes per day, with half watching it mainly at home. There were three periods of heavy usage: mornings between 09.00 and 10.00, lunchtime between 13.00 and 14.00 and the evening between 20.00 and 22.00.
Mobile TV seeks EU guidelines
Mobile industry players have asked the European Union on set guidelines that would boost the emerging sector of mobile TV on cellphones and other portable devices. They are seeking guidance on what radio spectrum is likely to be made available. According to Simon Wilson, Spectrum Policy Manager at British operator O2, minimising the cost of service means minimising the device costs. “To get to the economies of scale to achieve these low integrated devices costs, we need co-ordination of policy and harmonisation of spectrum,” he told a mobile broadcasting workshop organised by the European Commission.
The Broadcast Mobile Convergence Forum has urged the EU to use its powers to help establish a specific radio band for mobile TV services throughout Europe. “Industrial products for the mass market can no longer be developed in an economical viable way for national markets. Sub-regional scale must be the minimal goal, that means Europe,” said the forum’s vice chairman Bernard Pauchon.
The mobile broadcast president of French telecoms networks vendor Alcatel, Olivier Although a number of operators are currently trialling and favour the DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast – Handheld) standard, the appropriate spectrum is not available throughout Europe.
