UPDATE: In this Reuters update states that the current mobile TV service in Japan, One-Seg, is limited to simultaneous broadcasts of regular television programs, which obviously reduces its usefulness. This partnership is to have content ready for when the Japanese regulator allows mobile specific broadcasts to be made, which it has suggested will be by 2008 (which strikes me as a long time). The main goal is to develop a revenue-generating business model, and the operators hope that “mobile phone-specific programmes will allow scope for new types of advertisements”. The deal is mostly just testing the waters, I think, since it’s described as “a 30 million yen ($259,400) joint venture”, which isn’t enough funding to get it going properly.
In Japan, NTT DoCoMo, Fuji Television Network, Nippon Broadcasting System and other companies will team up to develop television shows for mobile phones, reports Reuters. The deal will also include satellite broadcaster Sky Perfect Communications and trading house Itochu Corp.
AFX: The new venture will produce such programming as well as services that combine shows with text broadcasting and online shopping...The five partners are also considering setting up a broadcast station for mobile phones, though I am not sure what that means.
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--DoCoMo to Take Stake in Fuji TV