‘Radio TV live broadcasting’ for mobile

February 15, 2008

An AIS presenter shows the ‘radio TV live broadcasting’ service available to mobile-phone users.

Advanced Info Service (AIS), the biggest mobile network in Thailand has tied up with FM 99.5 radio channel to pilot a service that allows mobile-phone users to "watch" live radio programs from their phone. AIS executive vice president for marketing said the tie-up reflected the convergence between two different industries to create value-added service.
An AIS presenter shows the ‘radio TV live broadcasting’ service available to mobile-phone users.AIS executive VP estimated 4 million of 24 million AIS subscribers own Real Player-equipped mobile phones. And those AIS users whose mobile phones feature the Real Player can now access the 99.5 radio channel to watch its DJ working behind the microphone, music videos and advertising via the high-speed AIS data network, instead of just listening to the program.
AIS executive VP said AIS will charge 1 baht per minute for accessing content via its nationwide high-speed network. Mobile phone users can select to pay for the network service on a monthly basis for a certain period or an unlimited period of usage. And when had been asked if customers would be willing to pay to watch the radio station via its high-speed network, AIS executive VP said it would depend on the content. For example, the station could attract audiences by interviewing foreign superstars live, or broadcasting an video stream of concert and music video instead of only music.
While, FM 99.5 channel executive said ‘radio TV live broadcasting’ would differentiate our station from others. It would also enable our station to gain more advertising spots, offering that the audiences can both listen to and watch commercials, unlike conventional radio stations.
AIS executive VP estimated the market value of non-voice services this year would be 20 billion baht. The company has set a target to secure half of the total market value. AIS has continued launching many new services on its high-speed network, despite the fact the 3G broadband spectrum is not yet now available. However, in the near future the 3G spectrum will be available in Bangkok and will be expanded into nationwide. And when the time has come, this 3G broadband spectrum will enable cellular operators, especially AIS, to offer bandwidth-hungry content such as video streaming, TV programs at a faster speed and of course a higher margin.