Mobile operators are likely to find their wireless broadband networks increasingly used for over-the-top (OTT) TV streaming if new service providers such as NimbleTV have anything to say about it. The company, which initiated its free beta rollout last week for up to 250 users in New York City, will push TV content to a user's Web browser for viewing via any mobile device, according to BroadcastEngineering.
Customers who sign up with NimbleTV will be able to view content from cable, satellite and pay TV and will not be limited to receiving content from any one market or region. The company's business model is similar to that of Aereo, which rebroadcasts over-the-air TV channels to portable devices. NimbleTV has attracted $6 million in funding from Tribune, Greycroft Partners and Tribeca Venture Partners. NimbleTV's service has the potential to increase traffic on mobile and Wi-Fi networks given that the content is accessed via browsers on mobile devices. That differs from the Dyle TV initiative, which uses broadcast spectrum to deliver local broadcast signals from TV stations in 50 markets to mobile phones and tablet computers equipped with bulky antennas. The first Dyle-compatible smartphone is the Samsung Galaxy 5 Lightray from MetroPCS. Article.