Qatar's cellular operator Qtel is testing a DVB-H mobile television system in the capital of Doha with 1,380 prototype Samsung handsets, according to a release in "Cellular News" (http://www.cellular-news.com/story/20487.php).
The test service will be free until the commercial launch in 2007. Qtel is rushing to ensure the DVB-H system is working well in time for the 15th Asian Games 2006 in December (http://www.doha-2006.com), that certainly will be a big draw for many television viewers (with or without mobile TV!).
The just-introduced English language version of Al-Jazeera's television news channel will be among the maximum of 13 mobile TV channels that can be transmitted on Qtel's service, the article says. CNN and CNBC are among the "sport, entertainment and TV news channels from reputable domestic and international broadcasters" that are noted in the article.
However, Qtel hasn't yet determined the official line-up of programs or the cost to subscribers once the free trial has ended.
Nasser Marafih, CEO of Qtel, says in the press release, "People will be able to watch live athletics events on Al Jazeera Sports channel from Khalifa stadium whilst watching bicycle racing on the Corniche."
Foreign news package
I've written this previously: I'd love to be able to subscribe to a package of English-language foreign news channels, including Al-Jazeera, CNN Europe, CNN Asia, BBC World News and France 24.
Regardless of whether this type of package would be available on mobile TV, broadband or cable, I'd pay for it. Alas, U.S. executives who decide what gets broadcast believe Americans don't want to watch much foreign news.
Based on the tens of millions of brain dead yokels watching the plethora of reality shows, soap operas, sports programs, celebrity gossip and other moronic slop on TV, they might be correct.
Mobile TV could provide niche programming, at least on an archived basis. Although there's a lot of the aforementioned slop on mobile TV, there is also some good stuff.
[Sent via TypePad wireless e-mail with RIM BlackBerry 8700g]
Comments