UK operators test new mobile-TV standard

Tue Jun 22 2010, 08:54 AM

The UK's biggest mobile phone operators, O2, Orange, and Vodafone, are set to trial a new broadcast standard that will allow them to stream broadcast-TV to mobile phones without putting strain on their 3G networks. The three-month pilot will trial a broadcast solution called Integrated Mobile Broadcast (IMB). This is a 3G standard, set up by a collaboration of telecoms associations, that lets operators use spectrum already allocated with many 3G licences but which has remained largely unused due to technological restraints. The three operators claim the test will assess "how mobile broadcast services can be deployed using shared network infrastructure".

Deal Details

The broadcast system will be used to deliver data-intensive services and the technology was first endorsed by the GSMA - the body that represents the world mobile communications industry - last September. IMB uses part of the 3G spectrum known as Time Division Duplex (TDD). This is already available to over 150 operators across 60 countries covering more than half a billion subscribers.

"With the strong growth of data traffic on our 3G networks and the mobile industry's recent support of this high performance broadcast technology, the time is right to move forward with an IMB initiative," says Vodafone's head of technology and R&D, Luke Ibbetson. "By joining our peers in this UK pilot, we expect to be able to explore the potential of delivering broadcast services across available 3G spectrum."

The trial will start in October and will take place in central London and Slough.