If you want to know whether mobile TV is a difficult pitch, just take a look at Qualcomm’s FloTV. Still, the promise of digital broadcasting being consumed by mobile users is obviously a tempting one; Dublin-based Solaris Mobile have announced that their own hybrid satellite and terrestrial wireless “S-Band” TV system will launch with a Pocket Gateway Device, pulling in content on the 2.00GHz band and squirting it to a smartphone via WiFi.
The S-Band is a section of the wireless spectrum near to that used for European 3G connectivity, and Solaris Mobile will use it to broadcast DVB-SH TV data streams across the 27 European member states. While the eventual goal is to see the receivers integrated into mobile devices, the Pocket Gateway Device will mean that existing hardware should be compatible too.
Rather than demanding a device-specific app, Solaris Mobile’s system uses the web browser on a WiFi-enabled phone. The gateway has an integrated webserver, turning the TV broadcasts into something the phone’s browser can display. No word on when we can expect to see the device on sale, however.
Press Release:
Solaris Mobile Announces Pocket Gateway Device
New device allows reception of S-Band services to smart phones
Mobile World Congress 2010
The App Planet Hall 7, stand 7G4
DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Solaris Mobile Ltd, the Dublin based operator of new pan-European hybrid satellite and terrestrial wireless networks for next generation mobile services, announces the development of a mobile gateway device allowing the reception of services in S-Band on smart phones.
“We are excited to be working with Solaris Mobile on this development which provides an efficient and cost-effective way for broadcasters and mobile network operators (MNOs) to enter the mobile TV space and a convenient way for subscribers to enjoy their favourite TV channels on the move”
The Solaris Mobile Pocket Gateway is a pocket sized S-band receiver which decodes DVB-SH TV, radio & data streams and relays them over WiFi via a mini web server built into the device. This technology allows any compatible smart phone with WiFi and a web browser to access mobile TV and radio over Solaris Mobile’s hybrid network without modification.
The development has been achieved in conjunction with Finnish company EB (Elektrobit) and resolves the issue of how to manage the availability of mobile phones with S-Band reception. In addition, the Solaris Mobile Pocket Gateway is planned to be used in the car by linking to a roof-mounted antenna and providing passenger entertainment on mobile phones.
Commenting on the development, Steve Maine, CEO, Solaris Mobile, said; “This is a significant step forward in the development of the S-Band ecosystem and solves the problem of how to get compatible handsets into the market place, permitting the user to choose his preferred mobile phone and have the benefit of being able to access a range of high quality mobile TV and multimedia services”.
Jani Lyrintzis, Vice President, Wireless Solutions, EB, commented; “We are excited to be working with Solaris Mobile on this development which provides an efficient and cost-effective way for broadcasters and mobile network operators (MNOs) to enter the mobile TV space and a convenient way for subscribers to enjoy their favourite TV channels on the move”.
The device will be developed further over the next few months, including the use of enhanced security. On this latter point, Solaris Mobile is pleased to be working with Nagravision, a world-leading supplier of conditional access systems.
A demonstration is available at the Solaris Mobile stand in The App Planet Hall 7, stand 7G4 at the GSMA Mobile World Congress (Barcelona, 15-18 February 2010), where Matt Child, John Darkin and the team from Solaris Mobile, will answer any queries on the technology.
Solaris Mobile, a joint venture between Eutelsat and SES-Astra was set up in 2008 to develop next generation mobile communication services. The company intends to deploy a hybrid satellite and terrestrial network enabling the provision of mobile television, radio and data channels as well as broadband and voice communication services to be delivered to mobile phones, portable terminals and in-vehicle devices. In May 2009, the European Commission awarded Solaris Mobile the right to operate satellite & terrestrial services in S-Band in all 27 EU member states. S-Band is spectrum residing in the 2GHz band and is adjacent to UMTS used by mobile 3G operators.
At present, Solaris Mobile is carrying out trials in Paris, demonstrating the broadcast of TV and radio services to phones, other handheld devices and cars – across the city and surrounding areas.
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