MTN debuts TV-capable handset

By Damaria Senne, ITWeb senior journalist

Johannesburg, 17 Oct 2006

MTN SA has taken the first steps in making mobile phone TV commercially available to South African consumers by offering a 3G/DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) cellular handset.

The Samsung P910 mobile phone, which offers the simultaneous functionality of a 3G handset and digital video broadcasting, allows users to watch selected bouquets of TV programming on MultiChoice`s DSTV channels.

Ashraf Paruk, MTN SA`s head of business strategy and product innovation, could not immediately provide pricing information. However, he says MTN SA will ensure the handset is "affordable".

Paruk notes consumers will not have to pay the MultiChoice subscription fee, as they would in effect join the trial for the service.

He adds that MultiChoice has applied for a pay-TV licence from the Independent Communications Authority of SA.

Mobile TV appeal

Paruk cites independent research, which predicts that by 2010 more than 150 million people worldwide will be regular viewers of mobile TV broadcasts.

Noting that MTN is a global sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and holds exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East, Paruk says MTN cannot afford to be a bystander on mobile TV developments.

MTN does not expect cellphone TV to replace regular TV sets, he says. However, it offers an alternative for those times when a user is on the move and would still like to watch a favourite TV programme, he notes.