One TV platform launched
October 9, 2007
From Sotires Eleftheriou in Paris
French company Mobibase has launched One TV, a platform of TV channels made specifically for viewing on mobile phones on the Orange Gallery service. A small selection of the channels has already been available on test over the summer.
One TV should be available via other operators soon – SFR before the end of the year and Bouygues in mid 2008. Mobibase CEO Vincent Roger explained at the press launch that unlike existing mobile TV services which are generally streamed versions of mainstream channels, One TV is devised specifically for the platform, consisting mainly of clips and close-ups to suit the screen size.
The content (videogags, softcore, weather, bollywood, news, glitter, shock, clips, sports, movie trailers etc) is geared to 15-35 year olds, mainly masculine technophiles, but some additional content is coming soon. The platform is available via 3G or Edge. The streamed video content is free of charge, other than any mobile operator charges (e.g. for data volumes) where applicable. Also “goodies” are available for downloading at a charge of between E1 and E5. One TV's other source of revenue will be advertising and sponsorship, with revenue being shared with the mobile operator. Mobibase already has a sponsorship agreement with the Paris transport authority.
Asked about DVB-H, Roger said it would give One TV a wider coverage. Mobibase is in fact a candidate for one of the planned DVB-H licenses, which it would use to showcase its service.