EU wants single mobile TV standard

Stuart Corner
Monday, 19 March 2007 09:29

Business IT - Technology

Reding came out strongly in favour of the Europe-developed DVB-H technology "European industry has already developed successful standards in the past, and I am very confident that on the basis of DVB-H, mobile TV services can develop the economies of scale they need for take-up across Europe and around the world."

The Commission encouraged the setting up, in July 2006, of the European Mobile Broadcasting Council (EMBC). This first "convergence" forum gathered players from the telecommunications hardware manufacturers, and the software, broadcasting and content industries. Outputs from the forum, along with discussions with member states, will feed in the preparation of a Commission Communication on Mobile TV due for Mid 2007.

However, according to the EU, "so far, the EMBC talks have not made much concrete progress. Although all participants of the EMBC recognise that a single standard for mobile broadcasting across Europe could deliver significant economies of scale, they at the same time stress that there us little or no prospect of an industry-agreement on a single standard."

Reding, in her CeBIT speech, commented:" "I would have expected more in terms of proposed solutions."

Recent trials in Europe reveal a strong consumer interest in Mobile TV. These include the trial in Germany during the 2006 Football World Cup, and the launch of first commercial services in Member States such as Italy and Finland. Other competing regions are aware of the potential, with China actively preparing a Mobile TV trial for the 2008 Olympics Games in Beijing.

In addition to the DVB-H standard, the Qualcomm backed FLO technology is gathering momentum.