On December 10, 2008, the European Commission published a set of guidelines to advance the take-up of mobile TV services across Europe. DVB-H (digital video broadcasting– handheld) is included as the preferred technology for mobile reception. In some countries, such as Italy, Norway and Albania, broadcast mobile TV has been present for a couple of years. Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands launched mobile TV in time for the 2008 football championships. Even though the DVB-H standard is being pushed by the EU Commission, the future of DVB-H-based mobile TV is not clear in the biggest European countries — France, Germany and the UK.
Pyramid Research believes that mobile TV can be a success across Europe if certain conditions are present. Mobile TV requires both a regulatory framework and available frequencies. The meeting of these two conditions, combined with reasonably priced tariffs, capable handsets and desirable content, will encourage the successful uptake of mobile TV. Pyramid Research also recognizes, however, that DVB-T technology poses a serious threat to the future of DVB-H-based mobile TV.
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