The quality of mobile TV services based on 3G telecoms networks may make it harder to compete with mobile TV broadcasting according to a new study from In-Stat

In its latest report on mobile TV, '3G Mobile TV Worldwide', the high-tech market research firm says that even though mobile operators can rely on their own network and offer more channels via 3G mobile TV streaming services, the video quality may not be as consistent as with other forms of mobile TV technology.

"The 3G mobile TV service is only available to those with 3G handsets and plans, so 3G mobile TV services cannot be offered to the entire subscriber base, unlike a mobile TV broadcast service," explained In-Stat analyst Michelle Abraham.

"So, uptake in 3G mobile TV is dependent on an increase in the number of 3G subscribers. Today 3G penetration is far less than 50% for most operators, with 3G mobile TV penetration of 3G subscribers below 10% for many mobile operators. Steady growth is expected, however, in both 3G penetration and 3G mobile TV subscriptions."

The study found that 3G mobile TV subscribers grew to 6 million worldwide in 2007 and forecast that worldwide 3G mobile TV subscribers would reach 42 million in 2012. It also expects worldwide 3G mobile TV revenues to reach $5 billion.