DVB-H licences attract 32 candidates

A total of 32 candidates had applied for DVB-H broadcast licences by the January 15th deadline according to CSA.
Mobile phone company Orange has formally applied for two of the DVB-H channels and some of the applicants, TF1, M6, Canal+, Lagardère Active, NRJ, NextRadio TV, AB Groupe and Bolloré are reported to have signed a joint agreement to promote mobile digital TV in France.
The CSA will meet all the candidates in April and intends to award licences by June-July.
Mobile TV services are then likely to begin by the end of 2008 and provide coverage to 30% of the population but it is anticipated that some service providers may launch earlier in time for the Summer Olympic Games in August.
Main source: CSA website
Item added: 22nd January 2008