First commercial solution to manage DVB-H services bared

Nokia has announced the world’s first commercial service management solution for DVB-H services, the Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution 3.0.

The Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution (MBS) 3.0 supports the broadcasting of different types of digital content such as live TV, radio and video clips over DVB-H networks to mobile devices.

The key features of the MBS 3.0 include the Electronic Serve Guide (ESG), a consumer interface in the mobile device for searching available services, setting alerts for upcoming programs and for the viewing selection.

The MBS 3.0 also offers service protection, flexible content pricing schemes and provides consumers with an easy way to purchase viewing rights.

The MBS 3.0 is based on open standards such as DVB-H. It fully implements the Open Air Interface (OAI) 1.0 implementation guidelines which Nokia published in August 2005 on www.nokia.com/mobiletv.

The Open Air Interface (OAI) specifies how mobile TV devices connect with the DVB-H network and the servers of the overall mobile TV service infrastructure.

The OAI specification was published to enable multi-vendor interoperability in the mobile TV industry.

"Nokia has been an active participant in several mobile TV pilots over the past two years, during which the consumer response has been very encouraging. The feedback collected from mobile and broadcast network operators and media companies has proved invaluable, making it possible for Nokia to create this solution," said Richard Sharp, Nokia vice president for rich media.

"By offering a safe, secure and future-proof solution for managing mobile TV broadcasting, we are creating the momentum for the mobile TV market to take off during 2006," Sharp added.

The MBS 3.0 offers mobile broadcast service providers a single platform which can serve several content providers.

At the same time, it offers content providers a protected distribution channel to mobile users. Broadcasters get flexibility in defining the geographical distribution coverage and service bundles consisting of free-to-air, subscription based and pay-per-view services as well as setting pricing schemes.

The MBS 3.0 supports mobile service providers in offering broadcast related e-commerce and interactive services.

Furthermore, the MBS 3.0 solution provides invoicing for prepaid cellular subscribers.

The Nokia Mobile Broadcast Solution 3.0 will be available in the first quarter of 2006.

In 2006, Nokia will bring the first mobile TV device to the market with in-built DVB-H capabilities.

The MBS 3.0 is the third implementation of a DVB-H service management solution which has been piloted globally with several customers since 2003.