ntl and O2 to trial multi-channel TV to mobiles
September 10, 2004
- First UK user trial of multi-channel TV to mobile phones
- ntl brings together industry players Sony, Nokia and O2
- Trial to test business model and consumer preferences for mobile TV
IBC, Amsterdam (Stand 1.259): ntl's Broadcast division and O2 have announced the UK's first usability trial of multi-channel television to mobile phones, beginning in spring 2005. From nine broadcast transmitters covering 120 square km around Oxford, the trial will see 500 O2 customers provided with a multimedia mobile phone with a built-in digital TV receiver. This will allow the participants to receive a line-up of 16 TV channels comprising music, sports, news, comedy, soaps, documentary, drama, cartoons and specialist channels including interactive gaming and shopping. The trial will test consumer demand for mobile TV services, and the perceived value of specific types of content and likely viewing habits that could shape an eventual service proposition.
To carry out the trial in the UK, ntl has joined forces with O2 and leading industry players Sony Semiconductor & Electronic Solutions (SES) and Nokia, both of whom were instrumental in the development of the DVB-H standard and will make available their prototype DVB-H receiver devices. Nokia will also supply the complete service system as well as the necessary eCommerce modules and interfaces, enabling full-scale testing of the technical and commercial concept.
The Oxford trial is the first of its kind in the UK and unique in being focused on commercial aspects of mobile TV. ntl will develop the TV channel portfolio, making use of its extensive broadcast customer base, and will design, build and operate the transmission network. O2 will contribute its experience in content delivery and mobile video, enabling O2 customers in the UK to be the first to preview future mobile services of this type.
The trial will use the DVB-H broadcast transmission standard for handheld devices - specially designed for low power consumption and robust reception - which is an efficient 'one-to-many' method of delivering content in a way that complements the functionality of third-generation networks currently being rolled-out by mobile operators.
Terry Howard, head of media business development in ntl's Broadcast division, said: "This is a commercial trial to test the business case for a mobile TV service in the UK. We've performed extensive market research about consumer demand and viewing habits and it looks very positive but these results need to be validated in a trial environment in conjunction with key players in the industry. With our significant broadcasting assets, close relationships with content companies and track record of technology innovation, we're ideally positioned to pull this together and we expect the results of the trial to help us shape any future national service deployment. Mobile TV provides a new channel to market for existing media players seeking increased viewership and additional potential revenues. For mobile operators it provides a value-enhanced service and increased ARPU."
Dave Williams, O2's Chief Technology Officer, adds: "This trial will allow O2 to evaluate DVB-H as a potential low-cost delivery mechanism for mobile TV services to complement our planned 3G based mobile music and video services. As a leading mobile operator in this field, O2 is able to add significant value to the mobile TV proposition, enhancing DVB-H based services whilst also stimulating usage of 3G data services."
Mark Hopgood, Head of DTV Marketing, Sony SES, adds: "We are delighted to be part of this trial which we view as an important part of our extensive testing programme."
Seppo Sutela, General Manager IPDC Organization in Nokia, sees the Oxford trial as a logical continuation of European DVB-H development: "We find the Oxford trial extremely interesting and the UK a market of great potential for our global DVB-H activity."
A demonstration of multi-channel TV transmission to mobiles is being mounted at ntl's stand at IBC (1.259).
More on ntl's Broadcast division:
- The Broadcast division of ntl has a 49-year history in transmission and has helped pioneer the technologies of the digital age.
- 22 million UK homes receive ITV, Channel 4 and Five via ntl's national broadcast transmitter networks. ntl also provides transmission for most UK independent radio stations, both analogue and digital.
- ntl provides end-to-end media solutions to the broadcast industry across terrestrial, cable and satellite platforms. This includes satellite uplinking, satellite newsgathering, outside broadcast facilities, programme presentation, play-out and distribution.
- With a portfolio of over 2300 radio sites across the UK, ntl's Wireless Solutions group specialises in shared mobile and cellular network infrastructure, from conventional masts and towers, urban and in-building solutions to access circuits, managed back-haul and core network provision.
- ntl's Public Safety group provides a full range of support services to the UK police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services including design and installation of integrated telecommunications systems, radio system maintenance and fully managed services.
About mmO2
mmO2 has 100% ownership of mobile network operators in three countries - the UK, Germany and Ireland - as well as a leading mobile Internet portal business. All of these businesses are branded as O2. Additionally, the company has operations on the Isle of Man (Manx Telecom) and owns O2 Airwave - an advanced, digital emergency communications service.
mmO2 was the first company in the world to launch and rollout a commercial GPRS (or 2.5G) network and has secured third generation mobile telephony ("3G") licences in the UK, Ireland and Germany.
mmO2 has more than 21 million customers and some 13,000 employees. It reported revenues for the year ended 31 March 2004 of £5.646 billion. Data represented more than 21% of total service revenues in the quarter ending 30 June 2004.
Further information can be found at www.mmO2.com
About Sony
Sony Europe's Semiconductor and Devices division, a part of Sony Semiconductor & Electronic Solutions Europe (SES), has a unique portfolio of semiconductor, components and battery products - primarily focussed on the mobile communications, networking and AV/IT markets. Our market leading products include TFT LCD's, Li-Ion and Li-Polymer batteries, wireless semiconductor devices for 2G, 2.5G and 3G applications, as well as front-end solutions and conditional access modules for Digital TV.
Clemens Schuette, Sony Europe Marketing / Corporate Communications
Tel. +44 (0) 1932 817402 fax +44 (0) 1932 817004 email: clemens.schuette@eu.sony.com
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and secure products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges.
Media Inquiries:
Bruce Randall, ntl, Winchester
Tel: +44 (0)1962 822582
Fax: +44 (0)1962 822374
www.ntlbroadcast.com
Hannah Bailey/Esther Brown
Nelson Bostock Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7229 4400
Fax: +44 (0)20 7792 7411
Nokia
Ventures Organisation, Communications
Tel. +358 7180 36117
E-mail: press.office@nokia.com
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