TV to go

O2, the UK-based mobile operator, and technology firm Arqiva, said on Tuesday that a trial of television over mobile in Oxford, was proving popular with the 375 users on it.

Average usage was three hours a week, with the length of connection lasting about 23 minutes, with one or two sessions per day. Mike Short of 02 said he believed a key factor in take up was the range of channels on offer. The choice included a selection of channels from the BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Five, Sky, MTV and Eurosports.

For TV schedulers, mobile TV could present some challenges as viewing peaks tended to be different from the way people watch fixed televisions. The commute to work, lunchtimes and the commute home all seemed to be popular viewing times.

Mobile TV triallists were not paying to use the service, but 76% said they would subscribe if the service became available within 12 months. However, O2 wasn't saying when it would be able to launch a service because the best spectrum for the service is difficult to obtain.

The level of usage may also be distorted by the fact the trial was free. O2 said it thought, mobile customers would be willing to pay 8-10 pounds a month for the service.

The trial - which is continuing - makes use of Digital Video Broadcasting - handheld (DVB-H), a standard which is supported by Nokia, as well as Nokia mobiles.

Mr Short warned that the UK lagged many other countries in what could be a very important outlet for television.
www.o2.com
www.arqiva.com