Mobile TV momentum is unfounded

Source: Telecompaper

According to Strategy Analytics' Wireless Internet Applications service, the vendor-led rush to bring broadcast services to market misses the critical issues of uncertain demand for mobile TV. In addition, poorly defined costs associated with infrastructure deployment will extend ROI for mobile broadcast networks beyond the currently envisaged two-four years.

Services will not launch in Europe and North America until end-2006, but mobile TV services, which allow users to watch digital TV channels on their mobile phones, is already the hot industry topic of 2005.

Worldwide, numerous trials are being announced to evaluate whether standards and technologies from the world of digital broadcasting can be adapted and married with mobile cellular services for access through converged handheld devices. According to Strategy Analytics, the momentum which has been rapidly built behind mobile broadcasting is unfounded. Strategy Analytics is unconvinced that there is consumer appetite for mobile TV services outside of niche segments, according to Phil Taylor, director of the global wireless practice. Strategy Analytics is a global research and consulting firm.