Vodacom gets DVB-H licence

Johannesburg, 19 May 2006

Cellular operator Vodacom has been awarded a test digital video broadcasting via handheld (DVB-H) licence from the Independent Communication Authority of SA to trial the technology in partnership with MultiChoice.

MultiChoice confirmed at its DVB-H launch in Cape Town on Wednesday that it has been in discussions with all three of the cellular operators, which have pledged their support to bring the 2010 World Cup to their subscribers.

Contrary to recent reports, Vodacom chief communications officer Dot Field says it will not be competing with MultiChoice in any way.

"It`s a partnership and we`re not doing anything on our own - we`re in for the long haul with MultiChoice."

Vodacom COO Pieter Uys says the company is looking forward to testing this new technology in the major metropolitan areas, together with media partner MultiChoice.

"Among other offerings, we will be affording our subscribers who trial this new technology with us the opportunity to view the 2006 Soccer World Cup live from their DVB-H mobile phones," he adds.

MultiChoice has yet to confirm any formal agreements with any of the cellular operators.

At Wednesday`s event, MultiChoice told the audience that a Sagem phone would most likely be used for DVB-H, not the Nokia that is being used by MultiChoice in its own closed trials.