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