MBMS enables the broadcasting of rich, compelling multimedia content over existing Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks. Users can receive services such as news, weather and traffic alerts, stock quotes, MP3 music, TV programs and streaming video on their mobile handsets while benefiting from the cost-efficiencies that MBMS offers to network operators.
Björn Ekelund, vice president of product management for Ericsson Mobile Platforms, says: "MBMS is a scalable, flexible solution that allows operators to broadcast different forms of content in different parts of the mobile network. It helps operators to launch innovative end-user multimedia services cost-effectively and quickly."
MBMS leverages the existing network infrastructure to facilitate the broadcasting of multimedia services such as mobile TV. It allows an unlimited number of customers to use the service at the same time, stimulates the development of new mobile mass-media services and is a cornerstone of mass-market mobile TV penetration.
Ulf Ewaldsson, vice president and head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson, says: "With a large part of handsets based on these vendors' chipsets, together with the proven interoperability of Ericsson mobile networks, both operator uptake of MBMS and the availability of MBMS terminals are secured. This means that MBMS will become a natural and standardized functionality in tomorrow's mobile systems and terminals. Operators are increasingly seeking new opportunities to harness their existing infrastructure and partner with content providers to offer end users cutting-edge multimedia services."
The rollout of MBMS in cellular networks will start in 2008. Fortunately the network infrastructure is already there for mobile network operators, and the deployment of MBMS can be cost-effective compared with building a new network for the service. The broadcast capability enables operators to reach an unlimited number of users with constant network load. It also offers them the possibility to broadcast information simultaneously to many cellular subscribers - for example, in emergency alerts.
