CSTB – MOSCOW. Russia’s Sistema Mass Media has outlined its plans for a mobile TV service. Speaking exclusively to Broadband TV News, the company’s MD Michael Dounaev said it is currently exploring potential joint ventures with either SK Telecom (Korea), Naspers or T-Systems ahead of a launch later this year. Initially FTA, the service would be rolled out on a commercial basis in 2008. Its offer, consisting of up to 20 channels, would be available only to customers of Sistema’s MTS mobile network – currently the largest in Russia with 50 million subscribers – for the first six months, before being offered to other networks. A further announcement is expected in March. Separately, Russia’s Channel One has announced plans to launch four digital channels. Distributed at first by the DTH platform NTV-Plus, they will offer black and white movies (Dom Kino), animation (TV-Nanny), entertainment (Vremya) and music (Muzika). (CD)

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