Nokia Siemens Networks will supply Qtel with
state-of-the-art Digital Video Broadcasting Handheld (DVB-H) solution
providing their subscribers enhanced TV viewing experiences on their
mobile phones with the added flexibility of selecting their preferred
subscription payment model.
“This agreement opens a historic
new chapter for entertainment and connectivity in Qatar. This
pioneering partnership with Nokia Siemens Networks will deliver a
world-class mobile experience for our customers, providing them with
the highest quality broadcasts directly to their phones,” said Adel Al
Mutawa, Executive Director of Group Communications, Qtel.
Nokia Siemens Networks will roll out a DVB-H solution with OMA BCast
Smart Card Profile (SCP) for Qtel. With OMA BCast SCP, mobile operators
are able to integrate the management rights for Mobile TV broadcast
content, provided via DVB-H, into their existing infrastructure. This
comprehensive mobile TV solution includes software, hardware,
consulting & integration, network design and implementation
services. For the authentication of mobile TV subscribers, Nokia
Siemens Networks is providing its One-BSF solution, forming a key part
of Qtel's Unified Subscriber Database strategy for creating a common
subscriber profile to be used for both mobile and DVB-H service.
In
addition, Nokia, the infrastructure vendor’s parent company, will
provide Nokia N96 handsets to test the first SCP compliant software
that enables subscribers to choose from among a host of payment models
and interactivity options. One of the main factors in winning this deal
was the end-user insight that Nokia Siemens Networks gained from its
close collaboration with Nokia.
“This innovation introduces
‘world firsts’ to the global communications community: Qtel will be the
first operator anywhere in the world to commercially deploy DVB-H SCP.
We will also be the first company to integrate the new Nokia N96 model
into our deployment strategy. Both these historic steps will support
Qatar’s wider goal of using the most advanced technology to support the
growth of the knowledge economy,” noted Al Mutawa.
Adds Qais
Esrawee, Head of Customer Business Team for Qtel Group in Nokia Siemens
Networks, “We are glad to support Qtel to be among the first to launch
mobile television broadcasts in Middle East and Africa. Our association
with Nokia is a strong differentiator providing the research and
end-user insight we need to help Qtel decide on the service dynamics
such as ease of use, affordability and freedom of choice. Alongside our
complete portfolio of complementary technologies, we can ensure Qtel’s
subscribers enjoy a seamless end to end mobile TV experience.”
The
solutions offered by Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks are based on the
open DVB-H standards. They allow short implementation time as well as
end-to-end capability, combining the equipment, services and devices to
create a unique solution for mobile TV service providers.
Nokia
and Nokia Siemens Networks work with more than 30 operators worldwide
on DVB-H implementations. Their commercial launches include Finland,
India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Netherland, Philippines, Switzerland and
Vietnam.
