Nokia has joined forces with The Bridge Networks to become the service system and handset provider for Australia's first mobile TV trial.
In October 2004, The Bridge Networks obtained approval from the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) to conduct Australia's first trial of DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld) technology. The Sydney-based trial is expected to commence in mid 2005 with over 500 users.
The trial users will be able to view real-time TV programs on a Nokia 7710 smartphone equipped with a special accessory to receive mobile TV broadcasts. The Nokia 7710 smartphone also enables direct links to the internet for access to background information on TV programs or sports results.
Nokia provides the end-to-end solution for DVB-H based mobile TV comprised of network infrastructure, mobile phones and service server platform. The focal point of the solution, the service system manages the broadcast of content from various content providers to consumer handsets through the DVB-H network platform.
DVB-H is a new technology that allows simultaneous transmission of multiple channels of television, radio, video, audio and IP data to a range of multi-media devices including mobile phones, PDAs, PCs and other handheld devices.
"Our aim with this trial is to prove and test the feasibility of DVB-H technology and related service systems in Australia and to test consumer experiences and acceptance of mobile phone TV service," said Darren Kirsop-Frearson, Managing Director, The Bridge Networks.
"The mobile TV trial, our collaboration with The Bridge Networks, and the provision of infrastructure, the devices and the service system to aggregate the content is indicative of Nokia's commitment to Mobile TV in Australia," said Shaun Colligan, General Manager, Nokia Australia. "We are delighted to play an integral role and be part of the group of broadcasters, mobile operators, content producers and device manufacturers that's helping this exciting new technology get off the ground."
DVB-H is part of the DVB-T standard that is currently used to deliver terrestrial digital television in Australia. DVB-H makes possible the delivery of TV, radio and data content to handheld devices and is specifically designed to optimise battery life by using a technique known as 'time-slicing'. DVB-H uses MPEG-4, AAC+ and similar advanced video and audio coding and compression technologies to enable a considerable reduction in the band-width required to deliver an acceptable quality of service to small-screen devices.
Nokia is a leader in the area of mobile TV and currently, mobile TV services using DVB-H technology are being piloted in many countries around the world. Commercial mobile TV services are expected to start in 2006
About The Bridge Networks
The Bridge Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Broadcast Australia Pty Limited, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group (ASX: MCG). The Bridge Networks, a leading new technology systems integration company in the broadcast and telecommunications industry, specialises in the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of transmission systems, including analogue and digital television, analogue and digital radio, point-to-point microwave and fibre.
About Nokia
A market leader in the cellular industry in Asia Pacific, Nokia provides innovative, industry leading and market-relevant technology and products to around 20 diverse markets in the region.
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
You may visit the Nokia Asia-Pacific website at http://www.nokia-asia.com or the Nokia Group website at http://www.nokia.com
Media Enquiries:
APAC Communications
Dinesh Subramaniam / Felicia Yeo
Tel: +65 6723 2014/ +65 6723 1810
Darren Kirsop-Frearson
Managing Director, The Bridge Networks
Tel: +612 8425 4700
Email: dkf@the-bridge.com.au
Louise Ingram
Corporate Communications Manager, Nokia Australia
Tel: +612 9429 9238
Email: louise.ingram@nokia.com