Distribution of video sports, entertainment and news to cell phones and other mobile devices is to take a major step next month with the launch of mobile digital video broadcast networks in Japan and Korea, according to a new study from ABI Research.
A similar roll out is expected in the United States and Europe in late 2006 or early 2007.
The new services will be based on a one-to-many model like conventional broadcast TV, rather than using the restricted bandwidth of mobile data networks, according to ABI Research analyst Ken Hyers.
Mobile broadcast video networks won't be run by mobile operators. In the United States, QUALCOMM and Crown Castle will launch the first services. Mobile operators will profit by providing "enhanced content," according to ABI Research. This content will include items like sports statistics, fan club materials and more — linked to the topic they've just viewed as TV.
The study, "Mobile Broadcast Video," explains the technology behind mobile video broadcast services, the companies involved and the revenue opportunities that will be created. It will be followed by another report, "Mobile Television," which approaches this market's requirements for ICs and software.
For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com.
