14 DAY TRIAL // Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) and Qatar Telecom, aka Qtel, announced yesterday the signing of a commercial Mobile TV deployment contract, stipulating that NSN would supply Qtel with the latest Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (best known as DVB-H) solution, and the OMA BCast smart card profiles (the SCP) technology. Thus, Qtel subscribers will benefit from enhanced TV viewing experiences on their mobile phones, will also having a more flexible subscription payment model for it.
“This agrement opens a historic new chapter for entertainment and connectivity in Qatar. This pioneering partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks will deliver a world-class mobile experience for our customers, providing them with the highest quality broadcasts directly to their phones,” said Executive Director of Group Communications at Qtel, Adel Al Mutawa.
OMA BCast SCP will allow Qtel to integrate the management rights for Mobile TV broadcast content that is provided through DVB-H into its existing structure. The solution provided by NSN will include software, hardware, consulting and integration, network design and implementation services. Also, the NSN parent, Nokia, will provide free N96 phones for testing the service.
Head of Customer Business Team for Qtel Group in Nokia Siemens Networks, Qais Esrawee, said, “We are glad to support Qtel to be among the first to launch mobile television broadcasts in Middle East and Africa. Our association with Nokia is a strong differentiator providing the research and end-user insight we need to help Qtel decide on the service dynamics such as ease of use, affordability and freedom of choice. Alongside our complete portfolio of complementary technologies, we can ensure Qtel’s subscribers enjoy a seamless end to end mobile TV experience.”