Satellite for Mobile TV
- Paper number
IAC-06-B3.3.06
- Author
Mr. Jean-François Ereau, Thales Alenia Space, France
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Initial feedback from the commercial roll-out of Mobile TV services on 3G networks worldwide and mobile video broadcast services in Asia, as well as multiple market trials around the world, suggests that mobile consumers have an appetite for Mobile TV. All that’s needed is a mass market solution that addresses the expectations of consumers, television broadcasters and mobile operators. This Mobile TV solution is based on a unique combination of DVB-H-based terrestrial and satellite broadcast delivery in S-Band that complements existing 3G/UMTS networks. This 3G-friendly proposition allows operators to protect and leverage their 3G investments. The S-Band (2,170-2,200 MHz frequency range, satellite IMT2000 FDD European allocation, also known as S-UMTS band) is an unregulated telecom frequency reserved for satellite use. It is immediately adjacent to the 3G/UMTS band and available across continents. It provides a homogeneous frequency spectrum framework for mass market Mobile TV deployment at the continental level. To broadcast mainstream TV channels in the S-Band with DVB-H technology, the Alcatel Mobile TV solution uses a hybrid system that combines: - existing, urban 3G radio sites and antennas enhanced with broadcast repeaters to provide indoor urban coverage - a high power satellite for instant nationwide coverage through direct reception - on the consumer side, end-user terminals receive broadcast TV either from terrestrial repeaters or from the satellite, and unicast TV from the 3G broadband connection. It offers: - 9 unlimited audience channels within 5 MHz over an entire country (direct-to mobile reception of satellite broadcast signal) - 27 unlimited audience channels within 15 MHz (9 from satellite plus 18 locally transmitted) in urban areas where terrestrial repeaters are deployed - An unlimited number of specialty channels with a limited audience, similar to current 3G mobile TV offers - (Note: This channel count assumes a channel capacity requirement of 256 kbps per channel.) This complete solution allows mobile operators and TV broadcasters to present end-users with a truly diversified Mobile TV offer based on a mix of mainstream broadcast channels and an unlimited number of specialty unicast channels. The mix of broadcast and unicast services, combined with interactive capabilities have the potential to improve customer retention and drive higher mobile service revenues. The proposed presentation will elaborate on the satellite-terrestrial interoperability, the regulatory and standards aspects in S-band and DVB-H, as well as the business case for mobile TV delivery.
- Abstract document