Mobile TV

Telephia reports that there were 3.7m mobile TV subscribers in the US in 2Q06. It is not big, but it is up 45%. "Mobile TV is the fastest growing wireless data service and marketers are working quickly to figure out how they can capitalize on what has the potential to be the most important new form of media since the advent of the Internet," said Tamara Gaffney, Director of Product Management, Telephia. ABC News was the most watched mobile TV channel in Q2 2006 with a 40% audience, followed by The Weather Channel with 32% and Fox Sports with 31%.

Meanwhile in Europe, Analysys predicts high risk investments and warn operators to be cautious. The service needs heavy investments in both infrastructure and spectrum. Delays in adequate handsets, lack of TV tuner in handsets, delays in adequate content, will prevent to recoup investments easily. Annual revenue from mobile TV worldwide could amount to €5.1bn in 2011, with Western Europe contributing €1.5bn. Streamed video services, music and browsing will be the key drivers of growth in Western European mobile entertainment market in the short term. But broadcasting technology should be the more matched solution in Europe. According to Analysys, the world market for all mobile content is set to grow at a CAGR of 29%, reaching €23.4bn in 2011, from €5bn in 2005.