Jamaica based mobile network, Lime (formerly Cable & Wireless) has become the first operator in the Caribbean to introduce mobile TV. The new service will provide mobile customers with the opportunity to watch a range of digital TV channels, or listen to digital radio, through their handset.
Handsets can also be plugged into television sets, which mean that a number of households which could not access digital TV can receive channels for the first time.
At the time of launch 10 digital TV channels will be available. These include CNN, ESPN, Sportsmax, Hype TV and the Cartoon Channel. LIME plans to introduce more digital TV and radio channels, plus Pay per View content over the coming weeks.
LIME Mobile TV is available to both pre-paid and post-paid mobile customers. The most affordable offer is a seven-day pre-paid package costing around US$2.90 for which a customer gets 200 minutes talk time, plus all the channels on LIME Mobile TV free during the introductory period.
Customers will require a new Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) handset to watch the service, although LIME is planning to introduce an adaptor for older handsets in the near future. LIME customers in the Greater Kingston area, and St. Catherine, including Portmore, will be the first to be able to access the DVB based service in what will be a phased rollout across the country.
According to Tony Rice, Chief Executive Officer of Cable & Wireless Communications, it’s very exciting to have launched Mobile TV in Jamaica before Christmas as they continue their campaign to win back market share in that country. The Caribbean is the right region for their Group to launch a mobile TV service. There is the availability of spectrum for TV broadcast and high demand domestic and international content, such as sporting events. None of the company’s competitor offer mobile TV so it is a good example of how LIME is leading the Caribbean in the delivery of new technology. The company will be closely monitoring customer demand for this service in Jamaica, but mobile TV is definitely part of their plans for a number of businesses across the Group as they seek to increase the usage of, and revenue from, mobile data.
