EU approves DVB-H promotion

Europe’s member states have endorsed a plan by the European Commission to encourage the development of mobile TV in Europe. The three-point plan will put in place a joint licensing procedure for mobile TV services to accelerate business models. Spectrum will be made available, possibly in the UHF band, though this faces opposition from the European Broadcasting Union. Perhaps most importantly EU states will promote, rather than mandate, the use of the DVB-H mobile standard.

“European mobile TV is a step closer to success following today’s endorsement by the Council of the Commission’s strategy for creating economies of scale in this important sector,” said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for the Information Society and Media.

Ms Reding called upon the member states still reluctant to back DVB-H to come aboard – which include Germany – and help Europe achieve the critical mass required to make Europe a leader in mobile TV technologies. “Europe must especially not miss the occasion of the European Football Championship in Austria and Switzerland in 2008,” she said.

Although DVB-H will not be officially mandated it will be listed as an official EU standard.