The Austrian government will quickly introduce mobile TV in the country using the DVB-H standard. The timing will be such that the new services will be on air during next year’s Euro 2008 football championship, to be held in Austria and Switzerland. A new law, which will come into effect on August 1st, will limit the number of channels from public broadcaster ORF to allow new entrants to the market.
The DVB-H mux will be split in two sections: a basic package featuring the three current terrestrial channels ORF1, ORF2 and ATV, as well as other broadcasters, available on a monthly subscription charge. The second tier will be made available as a premium bouquet. Fifteen channels will be initially be offered, with the number increased later to 30.