BusinessWeek Looks At Mobile Video
In a recent article, BusinessWeek’s Asia desk takes a look at the rise of “TV” on cell phones. Specifically, the early case of Korea, and their use of satellite-based Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB). BW comments on how the Korean government is pushing for local leadership and excellence in this category, so as to earn a global advantage in technology exports. We’ve commented on this Korean strategy for some time. BW also says that the DMB broadcasts in Korea will be free of charge, thus favorably competing with expensive 3G cellular data unicasts – this is incorrect. SK Telecom launched a satellite, installed many terrestrial repeaters, and created a for-profit subsidiary, TU Media, with the goal of selling subscriptions to the DMB content. Like XM and Sirius, this content will not be free.
