Three our of four mobile network operators in Italy heavily invested in DVB-H networks and they are now ready to launch broadcast-like mobile TV services.
H3G is the most active one promoting its new mobile TV services. A massive TV campaign is underway to lure consumers into the new medium. The company even copyrighted the new word ‘TVfonino’ meaning a mobile handset with TV capability. Both TIM and Vodafone are expected to soon launch similar campaigns just in time for the FIFA World Cup due to start in a few weeks.
Will Italians hurry up to watch TV on a tiny screen? I doubt it very much.
H3G said that its new TV broadcast service had 111.000 users in the first three weeks of operation thanks to the football World Cup.