India is commercially ready for the deployment of FLO

What are the different characteristics that make FLO a next generation
mobile technology?

FLO is a next-generation mobile broadcasting technology. It delivers an
increased capacity and reduces the cost of content delivery to millions of
mobile handsets simultaneously. The technology enables mobile users to see and
hear high quality video and audio, whether delivered live or with a time-shifted
streaming feed, or by the non-realtime delivery of multimedia-rich clips, or
finally to watch data streams, such the stock ticker-wherever they are, anytime,
and without delays.

It was designed from the ground up for mobility, which gives it improved
power efficiency, capacity, and coverage characteristics.

Furthermore, it is also capable of reducing the network cost dramatically by
decreasing the number of transmitters required for a given service area.

Do you think India is ready for FLO?

Commercially, India is ready for the deployment of FLO. India has seen an
exponential growth in wireless penetration. The FICCI-PWC report 2006-2007
suggests that globally mobile TV service is around four times more appealing
than mobile gaming. And also, UK based research firm Portio expects Asia Pacific
to account for about 50% of the world's mobile TV subscriber base by 2011.

From a regulatory perspective, key steps toward deploying mobile broadcast
services in India have been taken by the Indian government, with TRAI issuing
their recommendation paper on issues relating to mobile TV.

What service improvements are you planning to bring to the Indian
consumers?

The technology will offer Indian consumers a high-quality end-user
experience and a compelling viewing experience. The different service
improvements and tangible consumer benefits include more crystal-clear video
channels without additional spectrum or degradation in quality; faster channel
switching time, which is approximately two seconds with FLO; low battery power
consumption; etc.

What are the challenges that you might face in India?

India is no different than other markets around the world in grappling with
such questions as how should spectrum be made available and managed in the
future. While at the same time maximize opportunity for efficient use of
spectrum, and promote innovation and competition in consumer and public safety
services. A vitally important principle to bear in mind during such
deliberations is the benefit of a technology in neutral regulatory framework in
fostering competition in the marketplace.

Jatinder Singh

jatinders@cybermedia.co.in