Russia scraps DVB-H plans

Russia’s communications ministry is scrapping plans to develop DVB-H mobile TV services in the country and will redirect RUB2.1 billion (€54 million) earmarked for the project towards advancing DVB-T2 services.

The country had planned to launch DVB-H services this year, but the government has rejected the standard on the grounds of a lack of compatible handsets and the development of cheaper mobile data services, including 3G, LTE and WiFi. Funds that were intended to develop DVB-H services will now be spent on the development of DVB-T2, which could be used to deliver video to mobile devices.