Mobile phone company Nokia has released the Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition globally. The 3G device combines mobile broadcast TV (DVB-H), social networking, music and gaming.
“The introduction of the Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition responds to the arrival of DVB-H broadcast mobile TV networks in new markets and offers an affordable device for new and existing customers alike,” says Nokia vice-president, Mark Selby.
Discussing the uptake of mobile TV services, Selby explains that customers are increasingly watching a variety of programmes - dramas, news and sport - on their mobiles for longer periods of time.
With this in mind, Nokia, together with Nokia Siemens Networks, works with more than 30 operators worldwide on mobile TV implementations, including Austria, Finland, Ghana, Kenya, India, Italy, Namibia, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Philippines and Switzerland.
The company plans to expand this footprint to more than 20 countries within the next 12 to 18 months. These commercial offerings are compliant with OMA and BCAST standards, states Nokia.
Stefan Schneiders, head of mobile TV solutions at Nokia Siemens Networks, predicts the 2010 Soccer World Cup will fuel the uptake of mobile TV services. “2010 brings a series of high-profile global sporting events and this is a good opportunity for operators to create, drive and bundle innovative mobile TV services based on DVB-H,” he explains.
“In fact, during the 2006 World Cup, Italy saw the launch of the most successful mobile TV broadcasting service in Europe," adds Schneiders.
As mobile TV gains traction with consumers, it is essential for DVB-H service providers to have a variety of devices capable of serving the mass market, advises Franklin Selger, chairman of the Broadcast Mobile Convergence Forum.
“Having a complete portfolio of handsets is pivotal for the commercial success of mobile TV,” he concludes.
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