Qatar Telecom launch pilot service for Digital TV on mobile handsets

One of these channels is the recently launched Al Jazeera English. Qtel's new broadcasting network, went live in time to ensure that the service would be ready in time for the 15th Asian Games.

Qtel is the Prestige Partner of, and Official Telecommunications Provider to the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, to be held in Doha between 1-15 December this year. The Doha based company provides a wide range of services including local and international telephony, Internet and data services and cable television required to support Qatar and the Asian Games, which is the second biggest sports event in the world.

DVB-H can deliver real-time TV programmes directly on to purpose built mobile handsets. The people of Qatar will be the first in the Middle East and North African region to enjoy this exciting advance in broadcasting and entertainment. Qtel is one of the few operators worldwide who are offering (or about to offer) a DVB-H service commercially within the next few months.

Qtel CEO, Dr Nasser Marafih commented,

"This is a fantastic leap-forward in 'on-the-go' entertainment and a glimpse of the future for what can be achieved on mobile phones. Qtel is really pleased to be able to make this service available to Qatar as a next leap into the digital era of mobile TV. With DAGOC's support, we are keen to give the people of Qatar and visitors to the Games the chance to see for themselves the exceptionally high quality of images that can be received on a high-tech; DVB-H enabled Samsung handset. People will be able to watch live athletics events on Al Jazeera Sports channel from one of the stadiums whilst watching bicycle racing on the Corniche!"

Qtel announced that a new broadcasting network, specially built for this service, was already operational for the Games and would continue to be tested afterwards. Anyone with a suitable DVB-H handset can enjoy the service free of charge until full commercial launch, which is planned for 2007.

Qtel will provide up to 13 TV channels for the pilot during and after the Asian Games 2006 including sport, entertainment and TV news channels from reputable domestic and international broadcasters such as Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera International, CNN, CNBC and others. The service will be accessible in the greater Doha area (capital city of Qatar).

DVB-H handsets look very much like standard 3G handsets. With cameras and high-quality screens, they are fully capable to carry out all the functions of standard GSM and 3G phones. However, they also have the technologies that allow them to receive television footage and FM quality sound.

Qtel pointed out that although there were no commercially available handsets in the country at present - other than the pilot sets - it hoped that handset suppliers would recognize demand for DVB-H and that compatible handsets would be available in time for full commercial launch in 2007. For the pilot, Qtel and DAGOC have ordered 1380 special Samsung handsets.