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| DVB-H could require TV licence |
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| BY DAVE GLAZIER, ITWEB JUNIOR JOURNALIST |
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| [Johannesburg, 20 April 2006] -
Digital Video Broadcasting via Handheld (DVB-H) may require the end-user to have a TV licence, regulators have recently indicated.There has been confusion over whether viewers receiving TV via mobile devices or IPTV will need to pay for TV licences.The ultimate decision on whether users will need a licence to watch TV on their cellphones via DVB-H rests with the SABC. It recently indicated users would require a TV licence in order to legally access DVB-H broadcasting when it reaches the market.However, the broadcaster has refused to comment further on the reasons for this.The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) supports this prediction, as acting GM for broadcasting at ICASA Aynon Doyle explains: “In order to receive TV via DVB-H, the cellphone would be fitted with a DVB-H antenna – this means it would fall within the definition of a TV set, and the user would require a TV licence.”He adds, however, that it would be difficult to enforce the TV licence requirement for those watching on their phone.Alternatives?MultiChoice, believed to be the only South African company conducting DVB-H trials, disagrees. “I don't think that the user would have to pay for a TV licence [for DVB-H],” says communications manager Marilyn Watson.Over the past few months, MultiChoice has been testing DVB-H among a small group with broadcasts of selected DSTV channels to a prototype Nokia 7710 handset.Watson expects that part of the monthly subscription paid to the cellular operator providing the service may go to regulatory authorities.She adds that MultiChoice would not carry any of the SABC channels over DVB-H. Watson believes the only licence necessary should be some form of a DVB-H broadcasting licence, which MultiChoice would require.Related story:No TV licence fees for IPTV
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