"Mobile network operators must not assume that 3G streaming and
mobile broadcasting networks are the only ways to deliver mobile TV content.
Apple's iPhone has already shown that WLAN streaming and sideloading have
important roles to play. We show that these developments could have a
profound impact on mobile TV technology choices."
Product overview
Most mobile network operators plan to deliver mobile TV and video
services using a combination of 3G and broadcasting networks (such as
DVB-H). However, before taking major investment decisions, they need to
consider the opportunities for delivering mobile TV content using indoor
wireless systems (such as WLAN and femtocells) and sideloading (in which
content is transferred from a PC or other device to memory in a mobile
handset). iPhone users are consuming significant volumes of TV and video
content, even in the absence of 3G and mobile broadcasting capability.
Indoor systems and sideloading could relieve 3G networks of substantial
amounts of traffic, allow better-quality products to be offered, and form a
viable alternative delivery system for TV and video content for mobile
operators that are unable to use mobile broadcasting technologies. Mobile TV
content delivered through indoor systems and sideloading could also become a
competitive threat, if mobile network operators choose to ignore it.
This report considers the roles of indoor wireless systems and
sideloading alongside 3G macrocells (including HSPA, HSPA+ and LTE) and
broadcasting networks (such as DVB-H and MediaFLO). The report analyses the
capabilities and limitations of each technology, and maps these against the
factors that will influence customers' choice of mobile TV services.
Modelling typical 3G networks and service mixes, this report examines which
technologies are required to deliver a compelling service proposition and
which may be unnecessary. It also considers how MNOs can best take advantage
of the range of different mobile TV delivery mechanisms, some of which may
not be in their direct control.