CBC Targets 10 Mln CMMB Users in 2010
21st Century Business Herald, 1/29/10
At a launch ceremony for the 'Jingcai' CMMB mobile TV brand held on January 28, CMMB operator China Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) announced a new method to guarantee users free CMMB service for another three years. At the ceremony, 16 device manufacturers including Aigo, Great Wall (000748.SZ), Hisense (600060.SH), Philips, and Shinco, announced that any users who purchase their CMMB terminals will enjoy three years of free service. However, users that purchase terminals from other non-participating manufacturers will not enjoy the free service, and must pay RMB 12/month.
At present, China's CMMB network covers 280 cities. Before March 31, all of China's prefecture-level cities will have CMMB coverage. CBC also announced at the conference that nationwide roaming will be supported for CMMB service subscribers.
In addition to video programming, CMMB will also deliver other types of content, such as magazine and newspaper subscriptions. CBC has also begun offering transportation navigation service in 10 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Qingdao. Following Chinese New Year, CMMB's Jingcai finance channel will also be made commercially available.
Over the next five years, CBC plans to construct a nationwide service system, and build a nationwide e-payment and third-party fee collection system. CBC hopes to gain 100 mln mobile TV subscribers over the next five years, as well as 40 mln digital value-added service subscribers. CBC's goal for 2010 is to develop 10 mln users.
Editor's Note: For more background on this topic, please see "Rumor: CBC to Charge Vendors for CMMB, Users Free" MD 1/08/10 and China Targets Nationwide CMMB Encryption in Mid-Feb" MD 1/11/10 issues.
Keywords: target coverage programming television e-payment CMMB mobile TV China Broadcasting Corporation Jingcai tariffs VAS roaming
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