TV in your pocket proves popular with viewers: The launch now only depends on an amendment to the existing law

• Most users watched TV on their handsets daily
• The most widely watched channels: ČT24 and Óčko
• Most appreciated features: Portability and picture quality

Prague, 6 February 2007 - T-Mobile has published the results of the commercial testing of "TV in your pocket". The testing, aimed at determining the potential of the service and building the foundations for its commercial launch, took place in the Prague area from 23 October to 5 December 2006. Over 250 users participated in the testing, including T­Mobile customers, partners and employees.

"The results of the testing confirmed that 'TV in your pocket' is quite popular with our customers and that it has great potential," says Jiří Dvorjančanský, Executive Vice President Marketing at T­Mobile, adding: "The commercial launch now only depends on the licensing process. We are convinced, however, that all parties involved will together manage to overcome this legislative barrier."

User behavior during the testing confirmed expectations: Most respondents watched TV on their handsets at least once a day, largely when traveling by public transport or waiting in a queue. The monitoring was performed in short time slots (about 20 minutes). ČT24 was the favorite TV channel, followed by Óčko, Filmbox and t-music. Portability and picture quality were the most appreciated features, while limited coverage was perceived by customers as the biggest drawback. This was understandable, however, given the test operation. As far as payment methods are concerned, most customers prefer a fixed monthly fee for a package of channels while the majority of viewers are also interested in individual purchases of a selected channel.

User behavior
Over 14 days, which was an average user's period of DVB-H testing, four-fifths of all users switched on the test handset at least once a day. The average length of the viewing period was 20 minutes, while 34% of the respondents watched TV broadcasting on their mobile phones for 20 to 30 minutes, 26% for 10 to 20 minutes, and 23% for more than 30 minutes.

A full 78% of respondents watched a selected TV channel while commuting or waiting for public transport. Many of them also watched TV at work and at home.

Viewer ratings and evaluation of the channels
The following channels were included in the test: ČT24, Óčko, Filmbox, TOP TV, Playboy, t-music, National Geographic, EuroNews, Jetix and Tourist Info.

The viewers were most interested in TV news, music and films. The most widely watched TV channel was ČT24, while Óčko ranked second, followed by Filmbox and t-music. ČT24 and Óčko were also the most highly rated channels in terms of user satisfaction. If there was anything that the test users missed, it was the analogue TV channels: Nova, Prima, ČT1 and ČT2.

Evaluation of the service
Portability and picture quality were the most widely acclaimed features of "TV in your pocket", while the product was also considered comprehensible and easy to use. Limited coverage was the biggest drawback, resulting in a weak signal and the handset "freezing up". However, these deficiencies can be easily resolved as they were largely related to the pilot testing.

Price
The definitely preferred option is the fixed monthly fee for a package of channels, as opposed to a payment for watching one channel, whether on a daily or monthly basis. The optimal price for the basic package would be about CZK 100 while a premium package would ideally cost CZK 200.

Commercial launch - coming soon
According to the test results, "TV in your pocket" holds great potential and it is no wonder that T­Mobile is currently preparing its commercial launch. The fundamental obstacle to this is, however, the current wording of the Broadcasting Act, which forbids cross-ownership by providers of broadcasting networks and content providers. T-Mobile would therefore not be able to offer TV broadcasting on a commercial basis.

Jiří Dvorjančanský remains an optimist: "We believe that all parties will find a common ground and that the present obstacles will not hinder the full launch of 'TV in your pocket'. After that, all that is needed is to find space in the air for 'mobile TV'. And even here, the situation is not hopeless: It is clear from the CTO's activities that there is a strong will on its part to resolve the situation."

DVB-H abroad
The service has already been commercially launched in Italy, Finland, the USA and in Vietnam, and tested in another 23 countries. France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, South Africa and Spain plan to launch DVB-H on a commercial basis this year.

Some analysts expect that by 2011, DVB-H will be the most widely used format for TV broadcasting on mobile phones, with more than 210 million users.

Presentation of the results of the commercial testing find please here. 

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.