Qatar Telecom (Qtel) and Nokia Siemens Networks have tied up to launch mobile television broadcasts. The system is now under installation and will allow people to access a range of education, cultural and entertainment content on their handsets.

Qtel had provided mobile television services during the 2006 Asian Games.

The world's first commercial Mobile TV deployment contract is based on Digital Video Broadcasting -Handheld (DVB-H) and Open Mobile Alliance BCast Smart Card Profile (OMA BCast SCP) technology. The commercial service will be made available from early 2009.

Adel Al Mutawa, Qtel Executive Director (Group Communications), said: "This agreement opens a new chapter for entertainment and connectivity in Qatar. The pioneering partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks will deliver a world-class mobile experience for our customers, providing them with the highest quality broadcasts directly to their phones."

Nokia Siemens will supply Qtel with the DVB-H solution. Nokia will also provide its N96 handsets to test the first Service Control Point (SCP)-compliant software which will allow subscribers to choose from a range of payment models and interactivity options.

Al Mutawa said: "This innovation introduces 'world-first' to the global communications community. Qtel will be the first operator anywhere in the world to commercially deploy DVB-H SCP. We will also be the first company to integrate the new Nokia N96 model into our deployment strategy."

Source: The Peninsula, Qatar