Is it possible that there will be more mobile broadcast TV technologies than content providers? BT and Virgin Mobile UK have teamed up to pilot a live mobile TV service using DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) technology. This is the same type of technology as T-DMB, which is used in South Korea, but BT and Virgin are using a different form which utilizes Internet Protocol “which allows content to be charged for and protected”. Apparently the problem for DVB-H in the UK is that it needs new spectrum, but the regulator Ofcom has indicated it won’t be allocated until 2008 at the earliest. DAB can run on existing spectrum and networks. “In the long term both (DAB and DVB-H) are likely to coexist,” BT said. “However, in the short to medium term, the availability of spectrum and transmission networks will result in country by country differences.”
Anyway, the trial will begin in June and involve 1,000 Virgin Mobile customers who will get access to Sky Sports News, Sky News, new music channel Blaze, more than 50 digital radio channels and the UK’s first electronic program guide on a mobile.
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