Government slams rumors about TVB's, ATV's mobile television services

There was no evidence.

According to a release, there has been no evidence of TVB and ATV providing mobile television services since the launch of digital terrestrial television.

The Office of the Communications Authority issued the response to media enquiries, saying the two free TV broadcasters are not licensed to provide mobile TV services.

It said mobile TV services are provided for reception at moving locations. The technical parameter the two broadcasters have selected is applicable only to fixed reception.

Although their signals cover the majority of Hong Kong and may possibly be received on portable devices, this does not constitute evidence proving the two free TV broadcasters are providing any mobile services. Viewers cannot receive the their signals smoothly while on the move.

The office noted TVB reporters tried to receive its digital terrestrial television programmes while moving by using DTMB portable devices and got only pixelated images or a disrupted service.

It also said people using mobile phones or portable devices can receive TVB's iNews, 24-hour news channel and myTV which are transmitted over the Internet and are provided via the platforms of mobile network operators. Such services are exempted from the licensing requirements under the Broadcasting Ordinance.