BOSTON-The deafening buzz surrounding mobile TV may be unwarranted, according to a report from Strategy Analytics.
In the new study, “Mobile TV: Hype not Justified by Demand!,” the consultancy argues that vendors rushing to bring broadcast services to market around the world may be overestimating wireless users’ demand for on-the-go video. Instead of investing in high-speed technologies specifically for mobile video broadcasts-like Qualcomm’s planned “MediaFlo” network or DVB-H-operators would be wise to test the mobile TV waters with infrastructures currently coming online.
“Consumer demand for paid-for mobile TV remains highly uncertain, and we remain unconvinced that consumer appetite for mobile TV services exists outside of niche segments,” said Phil Taylor, director of the firm’s global wireless practice. “Operators have the perfect opportunity in 3G to see if mobile video services will fly without further extending themselves into the provision of broadcast services.”
