Mobile TV and mobile media networks have played a significant part in the expansion plans of Broadcast Australia (BA) following recent acquisitions in Hong Kong and Australia.

BA has strengthened its growing portfolio of consulting services available to Asian telecommunications carriers including a full range of planning services, network design and deployment, plus new offerings in confined-space coverage and online hosting solutions. The uptake of mobile TV has been a key driver.

"The imminent deployment of commercial broadcast mobile TV networks is driving significant demand for expertise in multiple facets of network design and operations," explained Chris Jaeger, Managing Director of Broadcast Australia's International Business Group.

"It all starts with planning-arguably the most important step. Moreover, it's important to realise that the business plan and the various aspects of network planning are irrevocably linked. Many Asian cellular operators are on the cusp of deploying broadcast mobile media services, and perhaps wondering how they're going to do it. "

BA offers technical consulting services for spectrum and service planning, which respectively encompass strategies for the most efficient use of spectrum, and the means of achieving coverage. Both planning exercises are impacted dramatically by the inclusion of mobile TV services in the digital and analogue TV environment.

Complementing this is a mobile TV business planning service, which is founded on ensuring that what BA calls ‘the four C's' of mobile TV success-compelling content, user convenience, appropriate coverage and cost-are appropriately balanced. The business plan must also take into account the different roles, skills and needs of various partners typically associated with mobile TV services.

The recent acquisitions and business partnerships with Hong Kong-based confined-coverage engineering company, Radio Frequency Engineering (RFE), and critical application management and online hosting provider, Hostworks, have allowed BA to expand its portfolio of consulting services and solutions for telecommunications carriers and content providers.

"The provision of RF coverage inside buildings and tunnels will be essential for broadcast mobile TV services," Jaeger said. "Just as 80% of Asian mobile phone calls are made indoors, mobile TV viewing is expected to follow suit-perhaps even to a greater extent. Confined coverage solutions will play a critical role in mobile TV services, and the Broadcast Australia/RFE partnership offers unsurpassed technical expertise in that regard."

According to Jaeger, the company is also keen to explore long-term partnerships with carriers, broadcasters and other companies seeking to deploy digital services. The remit will include free-to-air or subscription television, mobile TV and infocasting applications.