MUMBAI: Alcatel-Lucent in collaboration with IPTV service provider Aksh Optifibre has enabled the commercial launch of India’s first 3G-driven mobile TV services. This new mobile TV service, which is offered by MTNL, makes multimedia and entertainment a reality for millions of MTNL mobile subscribers in the metro cities of Delhi and Mumbai. The service was launched in March 2010.

Specifically Aksh leverages Alcatel-Lucent’s cost-effective, flexible mobile streaming server to provide an enhanced user experience thanks to its bandwidth adaptation and video optimization capabilities as well as enable generate additional revenue for MTNL thanks to the solution’s ad insertion capability.

"At Aksh, our commitment is to deliver ubiquitous technology and path-breaking innovation. We are proud to enable India’s first 3G mobile TV in Delhi and Mumbai. Mobile TV as a value added feature epitomizes convergence in technology realizing the distant dream of live television viewing on the move. Our association with Alcatel-Lucent enables us to materialize that Indian 3G subscriber’s aspiration for a revolutionary product," said Aksh Optifibre managing director Dr Kailash Choudhari.

"Streaming video is the fastest growing data service and is a key enabler for mobile operators to justify investment in 3G and LTE technologies. Alcatel-Lucent’s mobile streaming server offers an exceptional viewing experience, high quality video from the very first video frame, and fast and seamless stream switching when zapping between TV channels," said Alcatel-Lucent, India managing director Vivek Mohan.

Alcatel-Lucent will provide its Mobile Streaming Server; an off-the-shelf solution to launch video services on 2.5G and 3G networks. The new mobile TV service helps Aksh Optifiber extend its existing IPTV service, iControl, currently offered to the MTNL subscribers. The new partnership also further cements Alcatel-Lucent’s role in the development of new advanced mobile services for MTNL and of 3G in India.