M1 partners MediaCorp in mobile TV consumer trial

M1 and MediaCorp are working together to launch a consumer trial for a mobile TV service in Singapore, based on Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld (DVBH) technology.

The trial service is planned for a mid-year launch, subject to regulatory approval.

An invitation to tender has been issued for vendors to submit proposals for mobile TV infrastructure and devices, including a trial service. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between M1 and MediaCorp last October to collaborate on the mobile TV service.

The
partnership is the latest in the series of collaborative efforts by M1 and Mediacorp to offer innovative video and TV content that is customised for the mobile phone. Working with MediaCorp Studios, M1 had in the past offered its customers Asia’s first 3G mobile drama series as well as celebrity and entertainment programmes on its mobile channel.

“Mobile
TV is an exciting new media that breaks the traditional boundary of broadcast television entertainment by making it conveniently accessible to any one with a mobile phone. With the DVBH promise of good audio-visual quality and interesting content from MediaCorp, the premier broadcaster in Singapore and the region, as well as other leading broadcasters, we will deliver a compelling mobile TV experience for our customers. It is this combination of the right technology and content providers that will create a viable mobile TV service,” said Neil Montefiore, Chief Executive Officer of M1.

MediaCorp’s
Chief Executive Officer Lucas Chow said: “The DVBH platform offers untapped opportunities for new broadcast services and interactive programme content. It’s a fresh frontier in MediaCorp’s continuing efforts to extend our broadcast services and locally produced content to digital platforms. Working with a partner like M1 will combine our respective strengths to create a mobile TV service that fits in with what local viewers want while on the move.”

About M1

M1,
Singapore's most exciting and innovative mobile and IDD service provider, was launched in April 1997. Since then, it has made significant inroads into the local mobile communications market, gaining considerable brand presence and market share. M1 aims to be the leader in personal voice, business and data communications, focusing on value, quality and customer service. More information on M1 is available at http://www.m1.com.sg/

About MediaCorp

MediaCorp
is Singapore’s leading media company with the most complete range of
platforms, spanning television, radio, newspapers, magazines, movies
and digital media.

It
pioneered the development of Singapore’s broadcasting industry, hitting
the radio airwaves in 1936 and beaming the first TV pictures in 1963.
Today, MediaCorp has over 55 products in four languages (English,
Mandarin, Malay and Tamil), reaching out to 99.4 percent of Singapore
adults each week.

Among
them are industry firsts viz an outdoor digital television that was the
first in the world to use Digital Video Broadcast technology, and
Asia’s first Digital Audio Broadcast radio service. Initiatives in the
digital space include a highly successful online classifieds, Internet
TV-on-demand and High Definition TV broadcast.

Beyond
Singapore, the diversified group is making its presence felt, through
magazines publishing, Singapore-made entertainment programmes, as well
as Channel NewsAsia International, the only Asian owned English news
channel.

It
has also entered into a financial and strategic relationship with
Indonesia's most integrated media company PT Media Nusantara Citra and
its parent, Global Mediacom.

Winner
of numerous international awards and accolades including Asia
Television's Broadcaster of the Year, MediaCorp’s vision is to become
Asia’s top media company, delivering valued content to the world.