PCCW mobile of Hong Kong announced it has become the world's first mobile provider to broadcast real-time TV over its 3G network, using Cell Multimedia Broadcast technology. The service was demonstrated by PCCW Executive Director Alex Arena at a keynote address at the 2006 Broadband World Forum Asia being held in Hong Kong.
PCCW will begin broadcasting programming from its IPTV service, Now TV, to its 3G mobile trial customer base and sports content from ESPN STAR Sports will be available in two weeks time, including ESPN's popular SportsCenter news program. Sports event content from Sportev, including action, from next season's Barclays English Premier League (2006/07), will be available when the football season begins in August.
The technology, developed by Huawei Technologies, allows broadcasts of television programming to 3G phones. The service is being progressively rolled out throughout Hong Kong, with deployment begun in Hong Kong's MTR underground railway system nearly complete. Deployment throughout Hong Kong will be completed by end-June, making mobile TV available to all 110,000 users on PCCW mobile's 3G trial.
The mobile TV service expands on the current 3G multi-media capabilities which include location based services, music video, full track and ringtone downloads, chatting and blogging services, local and international news, a full range of financial information and services such as stock quotes, investment tips from renowned investment commentators, interactive games, sports and betting services and a host of other lifestyle-related infotainment services.
PCCW will begin broadcasting programming from its IPTV service, Now TV, to its 3G mobile trial customer base and sports content from ESPN STAR Sports will be available in two weeks time, including ESPN's popular SportsCenter news program. Sports event content from Sportev, including action, from next season's Barclays English Premier League (2006/07), will be available when the football season begins in August.
The technology, developed by Huawei Technologies, allows broadcasts of television programming to 3G phones. The service is being progressively rolled out throughout Hong Kong, with deployment begun in Hong Kong's MTR underground railway system nearly complete. Deployment throughout Hong Kong will be completed by end-June, making mobile TV available to all 110,000 users on PCCW mobile's 3G trial.
The mobile TV service expands on the current 3G multi-media capabilities which include location based services, music video, full track and ringtone downloads, chatting and blogging services, local and international news, a full range of financial information and services such as stock quotes, investment tips from renowned investment commentators, interactive games, sports and betting services and a host of other lifestyle-related infotainment services.
See also: Sports gambling may drive 3G cell tel expansion (27 Apr)