Pilot Project: Free TV Via Cell Networks for Those to Lose OTA TV

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Submitted by weekendpictures 2010–05–10 14:30:51 EDT

Theme: Digital Infrastructure
Idea Status: –19 | Total Votes: 23 | Comments: 2

A pilot project involving the transmission of free television channels via cell phone networks to households in areas that will lose over–the–air (OTA) TV following the digital switch–over set for Aug 31, 2010.

CBC should lead this.

See link for a similar project in the U.S.

Comments

dsampson — 2010–06–21 09:29:08 EDT wrote

Cell coverage tends to be less than Radio. Besides, digital OTA TV will increase the efficincy of bandwidth to allow better use. Why not share towers for digital OTA?

Will this program also provide free Cell phones?

how do I hook my Cell phone to my TV?

$10–$15 a month is not free. OTA digital is free. If the companies wish to provide a sub–signal as the link suggests, fine, but OTA shoul always be free.

weekendpictures — 2010–07–04 22:00:23 EDT wrote

Hi dsampson,

Thank you for your valuable feedback. You are correct on many fronts. Cell phone coverage is poor in Canada and digital OTA TV is indeed more efficient in terms of spectrum than analogue.

My approach is more about how Canada can pull off some SERIOUS catch–up with regards to closing the digital divide in this country.

I think Mobile TV (and the digital infrastructure that goes with it) is the way to go.

Your Cell phone won’t be free, but your local basic TV viewing on your Cell phone will be under the proposal I’m submitting this week.

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