The major issue facing the deployment of any mobile TV system is access to the spectrum needed to support the services. The availability and cost of spectrum will largely dictate the technology deployment options available to the operator. For example, if a potential operator wishes to deploy a satellite-based mobile TV system, there must be a satellite broadcasting allocation for the desired spectrum band in that country. If there is no spectrum available for a dedicated terrestrial mobile TV network, then the mobile operator must provide mobile TV service in bands that are already being used for more traditional mobile services. This will limit the mobile provider’s options and may affect QoS. As countries move to identify spectrum for dedicated mobile TV networks, government should consider compatibility between new and existing services. The choice of mobile TV technology should be left to the operator, as long as that technology conforms to national and international frequency allocations.
ENDNOTES
[1] For example, in the ongoing Public Consultation on Policy and Regulatory Framework for Mobile Broadcasting Services in Singapore, Media Development Authority (MDA) has proposed not to mandate a single standard for mobile television service in Singapore as the MDA found it premature for a small market like Singapore to set a “particular standard when there is no obvious global champion,” as well as no need for the MDA to depart from its policy of technology neutrality. Media Dev. Auth. (MDA), Public Consultation on Policy and Regulatory Framework for Mobile Broadcasting Services in Singapore, at 6 (Nov. 21, 2007), available at: www.mda.gov.sg/wms.file/mobj/mobj.1167.Mobile%20TV%20Consultation.pdf.