Doordarshan launches mobile television in India

India has become the latest country to have mobile television service available to mobile customers. Doordarshan became the first broadcaster in the Indian market to launch the mobile television services.

Their services are powered by the DVB-H platform and the announcement comes just as the telecom industry is debating with the government for spectrum allocation for launch of 3G or triple play services.

Dr Helmut Stein, member of steering board and president of marketing and communications at DVB said in a statement on this service launch: “DVB-H is a technology that allows simultaneous transmission of multiple channels of television, radio and data to a range of multimedia devices including mobile phones, PDA’s, PC’s and other handheld devices. It is a new concept which is going to change the face of television.”

He added: “DVB works on the IP platform, similar to GSM technology. The signals are transmitted via towers like the GSM telephony, and handsets have to be developed for better transmission for a larger area. DVB forum is working on a next level of technology for satellite television channels – DVB-SH, which is due to be released later this year and the commercial launch will be in 2009-2010. The satellite technology is being given major thrust as the DVB-H is limited to terrestrial television channels and satellite signals can reach even the remotest parts of the country.”

B S Lalli, CEO of Prasar Bharti added that the service is currently available in Delhi and is as of now limited to within 10 kms radius from the Parliament Street, New Delhi.