WASHINGTON, D.C. – A coalition of American television broadcasters have banded together to form the Mobile500 Alliance, a group designed to accelerate the availability of mobile digital television service across the U.S.
Mobile DTV enables consumers to watch live television on their laptops, smart phones and other mobile devices, as well as out-of-home platforms such as billboards and vehicles, all using a broadcast signal and without using the bandwidth of wireless providers. The group says that over-the-air television delivered to mobile and out-of-home devices in local markets will meet the growing demand of on-the-go consumers, plus expand upon the “one-to-many” efficiencies provided by local broadcasters.
“The Mobile500 Alliance aims to develop a Mobile DTV business model permitting consumers to view popular broadcast content, as well as non-broadcast content with enhanced features,” said Colleen B. Brown, president and CEO of Fisher Communications as well as chair of the Mobile500 Alliance. “To that end, we will work to secure content arrangements with program suppliers and enhanced consumer device features with electronics manufacturers.”
The organization said that it will build on the Mobile DTV standards activities of the Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), by expanding on the OMVC’s successful Mobile DTV efforts and by developing a sustainable nationwide business model.
The Mobile500 Alliance launched with 30 broadcast television companies, which collectively own 346 full-power television stations broadcasting in 167 markets which represent approximately 90% of the United States population. As an open, inclusive organization, the Mobile500 Alliance invites the participation and involvement of virtually all commercial broadcasters.
