Mobile TV is now available in the Philippines! Smart Communications and MediaQuest unit 360media Corp. recently launched their mobile TV service on July 24, making TV viewing more flexible and longer for Filipinos constantly on the go. MediaQuest will be investing at least $ 50 million (about P2.75 billion) for infrastructure, but this figure does not include Smart’s investment, who is in charge of building and marketing the brand called myTV.

Though Smart’s video streaming runs on their 3G network, mobile TV will be based on a seperate platform called DVB-H or Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld. This platform was chosen since devices that run on DVB-H, such as the Nokia N77, is now gaining popularity in Europe and Asia. As of now, only the Nokia N92 model is offered by Smart as part of their mobile TV package.

As of the formal launch, there are 10 channels available on myTV. While the service will be free until August 31, subscribers will be charged 488 Philippine pesos (US$10.78) per month on top of their regular post-paid plans. Smart hopes to amass 60,000 to 70,000 subscribers to the service during the next few months.

[via manila bulletin online]