RJio to invest in LTE broadcast tech: GSA

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Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio Infocomm which is yet to start commercial operations, is likely to invest in long-term evolution (LTE) Broadcast technology which may help the company to offer better video services, a research firm GSA noted in a report.

According to GSA, about 16 mobile network operators are currently working with systems providers and broadcast content owners, in Australia, China, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, UAE, UK and the USA.

The operators who are investing in the technology include AT&T, Verizon Wireless, EE, Three, KPN, Orange, Vodafone, Meo, Etisalat, SingTel, China Mobile, China Telecom, Smart and Telstra.

LTE Broadcast is one of the key features that supports all specified bandwidths and formats of LTE in all technology platforms. The first LTE Broadcast service was commercially launched by KT in South Korea in January 2014, GSA stated.

"LTE Broadcast te chnology enables innovative and profitable business opportunities for mobile network operators. The report lists several use cases, which is constantly expanding, and new business models will evolve," Alan Hadden, President of GSA, said.

By using LTE Broadcast enabled by evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service technology, operators can manage network assets more efficiently by multicasting popular content sought by multiple subscribers, such as live TV broadcasts, or tailored content for sporting events in stadiums or other venues, GSA said.

"Operators can utilise off-peak capacity to deliver new service offerings, which could include rich media caching, or managed software updates including applications updates," it added.