EU pushes single standard for mobile telephony

The European Commission wants mobile operators to adopt a single technology in order to encourage growth in mobile TV services across Europe.

Telecoms commissioner Viviane Reding said last week the number of standards being used by mobile operators in Europe was confusing the market and leading to a " slow uptake of mobile TV in the EU".

There are around seven different standards for mobile TV around the world, including DAB-IP, DMB, MediaFLO and Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds (DVB-H).

The EC has plumped for DVB-H for Europe as "the most widely used standard in Europe" after successful trials in 18 EU member states.

The idea is that adopting DVB-H will prevent market fragmentation, " facilitate and accelerate the deployment of mobile TV across Europe", making the EU a global market leader in these services.

The EC flagged up the success of its decision to make GSM the network of choice for mobile telephony.

But the DVB-H standard, which the EC may make compulsory next year, could cause headaches for UK mobile operators.

This technology relies on the same radio waves as analogue TV and radio in the UK. This means until the digital switchover is completed in 2012, there won't be the spectrum for UK operators to offer mobile TV services using DVB-H.

Currently, Orange and Three in the UK use their 3G networks for mobile TV services. Virgin and BT Movio use the DAB-IP standard, which uses a digital radio signal rather than a mobile phone network, to stream live TV channels to mobile phones fitted with a receiver.

"Mobile broadcasting is a tremendous opportunity for Europe to maintain and expand its leadership in mobile technology and audiovisual services," said Viviane Reding.

The EU standard was welcomed by Orange, Virgin and 3, which said they would consider the standard if it was the right thing for their customers.

But they may not have a choice. Ms Reding said the use of DVB-H will be " legally encouraged" in all 27 member states, with a view to mandating use, if necessary, next year.

This stance has already met with opposition from companies such as MediaFLO and BSkyB, which believe the choice of technology should be left to the industry and market forces.