Demonstrations of mobile TV at this week’s International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas are an indication that the technology is ready for service. Based on the digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) standard, Modeo LLC, a rename for Crown Castle Mobile Media LLC, has announced that it plans to deliver live mobile TV to the top 30 markets across the United States. Combining spectrum rights with unique expertise across wireless network, broadcast and content platform operations, Modeo, a subsidiary of Crown Castle International Corp. is poised to bring innovative mobile TV service to market this year.

In collaboration with handset makers like Nokia, Motorola, Philips and others, Modeo previewed its mobile TV service to the attendees of CES. Likewise, Qualcomm displayed its Media FLO network, based on its proprietary forward-link only (FLO) technology. Samsung and LG Electronics demonstrated MediaFLO on their 3G handsets. The company conducted live, over-the-air demonstrations of FLO Technology, featuring delivery and viewing of multiple channels of wireless multimedia content, on handsets from LG Electronics and Samsung.

MediaFLO USA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm, offering interactive wireless multimedia services to consumers in cooperation with U.S. wireless operators. The nationwide network, based on Qualcomm's FLO technology and using the MediaFLO Media Distribution System, will deliver multimedia content to mobile devices in the 700 MHz spectrum for which Qualcomm holds licenses with a nationwide footprint. MediaFLO expects to begin commercial operation of the new network in the fourth quarter of 2006, creating market opportunities for the entire wireless value chain and delivering on the promise of wireless multimedia to subscribers.

Last year, Modeo successfully piloted its DVB-H mobile broadcast network in Pittsburgh. Modeo plans to launch the service commercially during 2006 in select major U.S. markets, including New York. Modeo is currently working on a nationwide deployment of its network to the top 30 U.S. markets, with launches targeted throughout 2007.

Leading mobile entertainment industry analysts, including Frost & Sullivan and IDC, project the mobile video market will exceed $1.5 billion by 2009. DVB-H trials are underway in several countries, including the United States, Germany, Finland, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Australia and Singapore. The standard is supported by leading wireless and technology firms including Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Texas Instruments, Intel, Philips and Microsoft.

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