Mobile TV handset with a mass market price — MobileMonday Global: Industry News

^{Nokias breathe life into mobile TV} Mobile TV handset with a mass market price

16 Nov 2009 at 14:07 GMT Timo Poropudas

Nokia has announced a mobile TV edition of its 5330 mobile phone. The key of the announcement is the price: EUR 155 before taxes and subsidies. The price qualifies the phone as a mass market 3G device.

Nokia is playing up the new mobile TV phone in its press release, which contain information about existing and upcoming DVB-H mobile TV networks that Nokia Siemens Networks is setting up for TV operators.

The Nokia 5330 has also been configured as a social networking phone. Besides Nokia’s Ovi service, it supports several key social network services.

Mobile TV consumption is on the rise. According to the Nokia press release by 2012 there will be over 300 million people worldwide watching TV on their mobile phones.

Africa takes the lead

Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks work with more than 30 operators worldwide on Mobile TV implementations. Commercial launches with Mobile TV services based on DVB-H and OMA BCAST standards include Austria, Finland, Ghana, Kenya, India, Italy, Namibia, Nigeria, Netherland, Philippines and Switzerland. Additional commercial launches can be expected during the next 12–18 months in more than 20 countries.

Francois Theron, CEO at DStv Mobile comments: "DStv Mobile has rolled out DVB-H networks in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Namibia, and we are currently rolling out a number of new networks in other African countries. Our success has been built around offering innovative and premium television content at an affordable price while facilitating access to inexpensive handsets which suit the requirements of consumers in Africa.

The Nokia press release also includes statements from Mobile TV TDF, France, Hutch 3G, Italy and DNA, Finland.