THE BRIEFING
Dubai-based telco du has confirmed it will radically overhaul its 3G network later this year. A senior executive from the telecom operator speaking to Digital Broadcast on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona also said that its long-term network expansion plans have not been impacted by the global downturn.
BROADCAST BRIEFS
DU TO UPGRADE 3G NETWORK THIS YEAR
BROADCAST BUSINESS
ADMC CONFIRMS NO FTA OR PAY TV DEAL FOR EPL Network to offer access via additional STB, cable or over broadband Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) has revealed it will go it alone in distributing English Premier League (EPL) matches, refuting previous reports suggesting it planned to do deals with pay TV or FTA broadcasters operating in the Middle East. The state broadcaster will make the EPL available on three different platforms including HD settop boxes (STB), IPTV or streaming via broadband. Rates for each platforms remain unconfirmed. Contrary to previous opinion, ADMC is not expecting to tie up with regional pay TV operators or broadcasters to show the EPL. Viewers will be encouraged to purchase an HD STB and a corresponding smart card from the
$15 “The recession was very bad and hit the entire world [but] the telecoms industry was one of the least affected by the recession,” said Hatem Bamatraf, senior VP of network development, du. “We are expanding the data rates of the speed that customers use over the 3G network from the current 7.2 megabytes per second to 21 megabytes per second. This represents a big jump and a big revolution and it is enhancing the entire network,” said Bamatraf. Earlier this month, du said it would invest more than $545m on network expansion.
08 MARCH 2010
broadcaster to view the encrypted channels. ADMC is currently in the process of negotiating distribution arrangements with major retailers to ensure easy availability of its proprietary STBs. Karim Sarkis, executive director of Broadcast at ADMC, said that the company is “launching a compelling offering that will provide enhanced accessibility and Karim Sarkis, value-for-money”.
Monthly cost of unlimited broadband access to EPL matches distributed by ADMC.
MOVERS & SHAKERS VOLICON EXPANDS EMEA COMMITMENT Broadcast monitoring technology specialist Volicon has appointed Paul Dubery director of EMEA business development. He has previously held roles with Front Porch Digital, Tektronix and Grass Valley. “Dubery’s understanding of the market and familiarity with content owners, producers, distributors, system integrators, technology and reseller partners will be key to fuelling our ongoing business growth,” said Julius Perl, vice president of marketing for Volicon.
TSL NAMES TONY ORME PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER TSL has confirmed the appointment of Tony Orme as product development manager for its audio monitoring, UMD and Tally, power management and customised product families. Orme has previously held positions with a number of UK broadcasters including BBC, MTV and BSkyB. “I believe there is even greater scope to turn existing products and those underdevelopment into market leaders,” said Orme.
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