Alcatel-Lucent, Aksh enable MTNL to become first 3G mobile TV service provider

Mumbai: Alcatel-Lucent in collaboration with Aksh Optifibre today said that it has enabled the commercial launch of India's first 3G-driven mobile TV services by public sector telecom provider MTNL.

Aksh, which pioneered IPTV, VoIP services and optical network solutions in India, leverages Alcatel-Lucent's flexible mobile streaming server to provide an enhanced user experience through bandwidth adaptation and video optimisation capabilities.

This, the companies said, would enable MTNL generate additional revenue, thanks to the solution's ad insertion capability.

''Mobile TV as a value added feature epitomises convergence in technology, realising the distant dream of live television viewing on the move.'' said Dr Kailash Choudhari, managing director, Aksh Optifibre.

Aksh would utilise Alcatel-Lucent's mobile streaming server,  known in the market as pvServer; an off-the-shelf solution to launch video services on 2.5G and 3G networks. The server supports all types of standard-based media formats and dynamic switching from high-bit rate to low-bit rate streaming based on network coverage and bandwidth availability, thu lowering cost of ownership.

It offers enhancements to all aspects of user experience, including fast start-up, bit rate adaption, quality video from frame 1 and seamless stream switching. The solution also helps monetize the mobile TV service by providing open interfaces that enable pre-roll, in-stream and post-roll ad insertion for any mobile video application.

According to Vivek Mohan, managing director, Alcatel-Lucent, India, streaming video is the fastest growing data service and a key enabler for mobile operators to justify investment in 3G and LTE technologies.''

The new mobile TV service helps Aksh Optifiber extend its existing IPTV service, iControl, currently offered to the MTNL subscribers. The new partnership also further cements Alcatel-Lucent's role in the development of new advanced mobile services for MTNL and of 3G in India.