T-Mobile is testing digital mobile TV

• T-Mobile is testing interactive "TV in your pocket" based on the DVB-H standard in the Czech Republic
• It is one of the world's first solutions combining TV broadcasting with mobile interactive services
• T-Mobile's partners in this project are České radiokomunikace, Czech TV and TV Prima

Prague, 24 October 2005 - Customers who would like to experience the first real Czech mobile TV service should not miss the opportunity to visit T-Mobile's stand at this year's INVEX trade fair in Brno. Today T-Mobile Czech Republic is launching the first phase of its Interactive Digital Mobile TV test-run. At T-Mobile's exhibition stand, it will be possible to watch four broadcast channels for mobile phones - t-music charts, ČT24 - the Czech TV online news channel, and live broadcasts from the ongoing INVEX trade fair. As a special feature, T-Mobile will offer live broadcasts of the VyVolení reality show.

"Our project illustrates the convergence of technologies which we have seen come about over the past few years. People have already got used to the fact that with their mobile phones, they can take pictures, record audio and video sequences, browse the internet, and listen to the radio or recorded music," says Jiří Dvorjančanský, T-Mobile Executive Vice President Marketing, adding: "Mobile TV is another logical step in this respect. We are proud to be the first operator to be able to present not only 'mere' TV broadcasting, but broadcasting combined with interactive elements enabled by mobile technologies."

Why is this solution unique?
In addition to watching TV, users will be able to try out interactive services, such as voting for their favourite song and downloading ringtones. This trial broadcast is based on DVB-H technology with customized add-ons allowing interactive broadcasting. The other phases of the trial broadcasting will offer other interactive services, including secured access to content. The T-Mobile SIM card will serve as the key element for securing access rights. It will thus work similarly as a "Pay TV" subscription card, enabling paid channel content to be broadcast directly to a mobile phone. In addition to watching their favorite free content, mobile phone users will be able to subscribe to specific programs or purchase the rights to view, for example, sporting events or concerts.

The greatest advantage of this solution is the manner of signal propagation, which takes place via the network of České radiokomunikace. "In the test-run, we are planning to cover the whole Prague with DVB-H signal. In future, the signal should be available to the majority of Czech population," said Martin Roztočil, Director Broadcasting Services Čra-JTR, today.

Partners
The Interactive Mobile TV test-run is the result of close cooperation among best-in-class companies - České radiokomunikace (DVB-H broadcasting network), Siemens (system platform), Rohde & Schwarz (broadcast systems), Gemplus (the leading supplier of smart cards solutions) and Nagravision (the leading provider of content protection solutions). Naturally, attractive content is a necessary prerequisite for the success of this project and, therefore, T-Mobile's media partners are Czech TV and TV Prima. "DVB-H combines TV  broadcasting services with telecommunications; considering that we hold leading positions in both branches, it presents a natural area of expansion for ČRa," said Miroslav Semrád, Marketing Director ČRa-JTR.

The future
T-Mobile's Interactive Mobile TV test-run will be one of the world's first to adopt the DVB-CBMS open content-protection architecture. This solution provides exceptional flexibility and allows the operator to develop a variety of new business models such as various combinations of subscription TV. Before being launched into the market, the solution has to be thoroughly tested. A full-scale pilot operation is planned for H2 of 2006 when there are enough devices supporting the aforementioned technology. The form and timing of the commercial launch will be decided based on the results of the pilot operation, with customers' experience and satisfaction being the decisive factors.

DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting - Transmission System of Handheld Terminals - "Handhelds") is a system allowing the reception of digital terrestrial broadcasting through mobile phones, special receivers, PDAs or pocket PCs. DVB-H (formerly also designated as DVB-M or DVB-X) is derived from the DVB-T standard (Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial) which has been formerly used for mobile telecommunication services (e.g. GSM, UMTS). Thanks to the system used in present, DVB-H allows much better reception of the signal even in worth conditions (in-door, while moving...) Transmission of the TV signal for one channel will require the capacity of approx. 384 kbps. The DVB-H system can use channels of the standard television bands in the Czech Republic (III., IV., and V.). In addition to mobility, the system generally offers the possibility of using the DVB-T system network infrastructure (it can be placed in a common multiplex).

Contacts for journalists:

České radiokomunikace - JTR Management                                   
Miroslav Semrád                                                                   Pavel Kočiš
Marketing Director                                                                Spokesman- Madison PA
E-mail: m.semrad@cra.cz                                                     E-mail: kocis@madisonpa.cz
Tel.: 242 417 300                                                                  Tel.: 251 091 222

 

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.