This service will offer 22 channels which will be made available to cellphone users. Channels will be streamed, rather than broadcast, over Vodacom’s 3G network, to users who utilize the Vodafone Live content platform. 

 

All Vodacom subscribers will be able to access this service and no additional data charges will apply after the subscription fee has been paid.

 

Some of the channels which will be available are HBO, Sky NEWS, E! Entertainment, Fashion TV (FTV), TellyTrack, UEFA Champions League, Fox, Ministry of Sound, Chilli TV, Yebo Entertainment, Yebo 1 and Yebo 2 and a Free Preview channel.

 

Multichoice’s decision to opt for 3G streaming may be related to the problems it has experienced with the DVB-H platform, which it has been trialing throughout the country for some months now. Earlier this year the company hit a snag when it’s application for mobile television rights in South Africa using the DVB-H platform was submitted late to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. As a result, the submission was not accepted. 

 

The only submission to be approved was that of free to air broadcaster eTV. Despite this, the operator is still awaiting a physical license from ICASA, which suggests that mobile TV may not be a priority for the authority.