ABSTRACT
Mobile TV is already booming on existing cellular infrastructures in point-to-point mode. But this mode is not optimized to deliver the same content to many users at the same time, preventing mass-market deployment.
For massive access to mainstream TV, channels on mobile, overlay broadcast networks, complementary to existing cellular networks, are necessary. But the design of such broadcast infrastructure shall be geared to meet the following challenges to contribute to the mobile TV market takeoff:
A business model based on an attractive monthly fee subscription allowing unlimited usage
A service coverage including good in-building performance compatible with Global System for Mobiles (GSM) to address a wide population
A guaranteed quality of service, including a good picture and sound quality, a large number of programs and content formats to meet all users’ interests, a fast program switching time, an efficient electronic service guide
A harmonized technology framework over Europe to prevent market fragmentation and favor a wide terminal choice
To this end, a smart hybrid satellite—terrestrial mobile broadcast concept targeting the IMT2000 frequency band allocated to mobile satellite systems (2.17–2.2 GHz) available worldwide is being developed in Europe. This chapter gives an overview of the system architecture and the radio interface technology, and provides details on the Unlimited Mobile TV system features and performances with respect to a typical dimensioning/deployment scenario.
