Sonera Mobile Networks, a subsidiary of TeliaSonera Finland Oyj, has filed a licence application to build a nationwide mobile television network. If it is granted the licence, the company is targeting the first limited commercial operation in 2006.
“A mobile TV network will significantly boost activities in the telecommunications and media sectors in Finland by introducing for the mobile phone customers both traditional TV programming and that developed specifically for mobile use. As a network operator, we provide a business opportunity for the media industry, radio and TV companies, as well as mobile communication and other service operators developing services and content,” Esa Rautalinko, Senior Vice President of the Consumer Mobile Services and Entertainment division of TeliaSonera Finland, said
According to the plan set forth in the application, Sonera would begin building the mobile TV network fin hte larger towns. A test network could be built this year for the Greater Helsinki Area, the company said
The plans state that during 2007, the network would be further extended, with Tampere, Turku, and Oulu starting in 2007 when commercial mobile TV operation would begin. Sonera would implement the network so that the programme and service content can be tailored region-specifically.
“To ensure the future of mobile TV, it is important to include also the possibility for interactive services in Mobile TV by utilizing the present GSM and 3G networks. The service offering sahll be versatile from the beginning as well as well-designed for different terminal devices. As a mobile network operator, these issues are self-evident to us also when the mobile TV network and its service systems are built,” says Mr Rautalinko.
The licence holder will be responsible for the mobile TV transmitter network and managing the transmission capacity. The Finnish mobile TV network will be built to comply with the DVB-H standard.