Globe Telecom quietly enters mobile TV market

By Lawrence Casiraya - INQUIRER.net

Globe Telecom is quietly entering the mobile TV market running the service on its 3G (third-generation) network.

Globe is using a mobile TV solution from Massachusetts-based NMS Communications, which provides the same technology to RTL Group, Europe's largest TV and radio broadcaster, and Hong Kong's CSL.

According to a statement from NMS, Globe can use their 3G-enabled handsets to make a video call to a dial-in number to access the service. Subscribers have six channels to choose from including live feeds from CNN and three local stations. The service also offers "made-for-mobile" TV programs, according to NMS.

"We look forward to putting TV in the hands of our subscribers," said Enril Magdato, business development manager for Globe's multimedia business group, in the statement.

Jones Campos, assistant vice president for public relations, confirmed with INQUIRER.net via phone that the service is available to existing Globe 3G subscribers.

Globe, however, is not actively branding it as a "mobile TV" service but as part of the operator's 3G video streaming services.

"We are continuing with the service," Campos said.

According to NMS, the service does not require any software download and can be used in almost any 3G phone without configuration.

Rival operator Smart Communications introduced a mobile TV service last year running on a network independent of its existing cellular infrastructure. Smart, however, is yet to offer it as commercial service pending go-signal from the National Telecommunications Commission.